Cannon Family Farm field day will explore cover crop on-farm research results – Sept. 14, near Prairie City
Contacts:
Tamsyn Jones | Editor & Outreach Coordinator | Practical Farmers of Iowa | (515) 232-5661 | tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org
PRAIRIE CITY, Iowa (Sept. 7, 2022) — Will and Cassie Cannon, of Cannon Family Farm, will host a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day exploring their findings from a range of cover crop on-farm research trials on Wednesday, Sept. 14, from noon to 2:30 p.m., near Prairie City (8718 W 109th St. South).
The event – “On-Farm Cover Crop Research Trials” – is free to attend and will start with lunch. Sign up online, or call Debra Boekholder at (515) 232-5661. The field day is sponsored by Albert Lea Seed, Iowa Farmers Union, Marion County Bank and Sunderman Farm Management Co.
Will and Cassie farm 1,400 acres of strip-till corn and no-till soybeans and use cover crops on a large scale. They use precision technology to apply nutrients at variable rates depending on field needs, which mitigates over-application and excess nutrient runoff.
Curious about measuring the benefits of cover crops, Will is working with PFI’s Cooperators’ Program to conduct on-farm research. In one trial, he is using water sensors to determine soil-water availability in research plots with cover crops versus plots with no cover. He is also conducting a trial to test the feasibility of 15-inch row spacing for soybeans planted green.
At this field day, guests will learn about Will’s cover crop research and his typical cover crop practices and equipment, including seeding and fertilizer equipment. Other topics the Cannons will discuss include intercropped cereal rye, reducing fertilizer inputs and small grains.
Full event details are available at practicalfarmers.org/on-farm-cover-crop-research-trials.
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.