Published Jul 1, 2022

Field day will explore precision farming with cover crops – July 16, near Missouri Valley
By Tamsyn Jones

Contacts:

Tamsyn Jones | Editor & Outreach Coordinator | Practical Farmers of Iowa | (515) 232-5661 | tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org

MISSOURI VALLEY, Iowa (July 1, 2022) — Father-son farming team Lee and Arthur Wisecup and family, of Wisecup Family Farm and Museum, will host a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day exploring precision farming with cover crops on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, on their farm near Missouri Valley, Iowa (1200 Canal St.).

The event – “Precision Farming With Cover Crops for Soil Health and Conservation” – is free to attend and will end with lunch. RSVPs are appreciated for the meal by July 11. Sign up online, or call Debra Boekholder at (515) 232-5661. The field day is sponsored by Harrison/Crawford County Corn Growers Association and Iowa Farmers Union.

Coupled with their long-time interest in soil health practices, the Wisecup family has improved profitability on their corn and soybean farm through precision conservation, and were the 2019 recipients of the Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever Precision Farmer of the Year Award.

During the field day, guests will see how the Wisecups use cover crops and small grains to improve soil health. Lee and Arthur will discuss their use of cereal rye, barley, rapeseed and winter camelina, and take guests to see their short-stature corn research plots.

They will also show their diverse assortment of small grains and precision technology equipment – including a drill for planting multi-species cover crops, a roller-crimper and more.

Other topics the Wisecups will discuss include:

  • Corn and soybeans planted into a terminated cover crop mix
  • Multi-species cover crops
  • Farm-wide soil health strategies
  • Natural Resources Conservation Service programs
  • Experiences with Cargill and PFI cost-share programs

Other speakers will include Mike Dickenson, of Iowa Cover Crop Seed, and potentially other farm business partners.

Full event details are available at practicalfarmers.org/precision-farming-with-cover-crops-for-soil-health-and-conservation.

Location Notes: From U.S. 30, turn south onto N. Willow Road (the sign says Jopine Place). Take an immediate sharp left onto Canal Street and the farm will be on the right. The Wisecup Farm and Museum is located across from the John Deere dealer.

This event is part of PFI’s 2022 field day season, which includes 41 events hosted by farmers located across the state, and beyond, on topics spanning the agricultural spectrum. Attendees can expect a welcoming atmosphere, a spirit of curiosity, a culture of mutual respect and farmers openly sharing their knowledge and experience.

The full roster of events – along with additional information about PFI field day policies and logistics – is available at practicalfarmers.org/field-days. For questions, contact the PFI office at info@practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661.

Practical Farmers’ 2022 field days are supported by Level A sponsors Albert Lea Seed; BioTill Cover Crops; Grain Millers Inc.; Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance; Iowa State University Department of Agronomy; Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; MOSA Certified Organic; Nori Carbon Removal; P&K Midwest; Sinclair Tractor; Sunderman Farm Management; and Van Wall Equipment.

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About Practical Farmers: Practical Farmers of Iowa works to equip farmers to build resilient farms and communities. Our values include: welcoming everyone; farmers leading the exchange of experience and knowledge; curiosity, creativity, collaboration and community; resilient farms now and for future generations; and stewardship of land and resources. To learn more, visit http://practicalfarmers.org.