Field day will explore cover crop grazing and drone seeding – Sept. 9, near Bloomfield
Contacts:
Tamsyn Jones | Editor & Outreach Coordinator | Practical Farmers of Iowa | (515) 232-5661 | tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org
BLOOMFIELD, Iowa (Sept. 1, 2022) — Tim Dotterer will host a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day exploring a range of cover crop practices – including grazing cover crops, use of a high-capacity drone to seed and spray, cover crop mixes and more – on Friday, Sept. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. near Bloomfield (15601 285th St.).
The event – “Drones, Extended Rotations and Cover Crop Grazing in Bloomfield” – is free to attend and will include lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Sign up online, or call Debra Boekholder at (515) 232-5661. The field day is sponsored by Byron Seeds/Martin’s Farm Service, Davis County Corn Growers Association and Sinclair Tractor.
Location note: The farm is 5 miles west and 7 miles south of Bloomfield. From U.S. 63 south, turn right (west) onto 285th Street. The farm is the first on the south side.
Tim raises conventional corn, conventional and non-GMO soybeans, small grains and rye for seed. He uses cover crops to build soil health and provide extra forage for his cattle and backgrounding calves, and sells his extra rye to farmers directly after cleaning at a local grain cleaner.
Curious about trying new equipment and production practices, Tim recently acquired a high-capacity drone for seeding cover crops and spraying and experimented with legume cover crop mixes hoping to reduce synthetic nitrogen inputs.
During the field day, guests will have a chance to learn more about those practices and the various ways Tim incorporates cover crops and small grains into his crop and cattle enterprises. Topics to be discussed include:
- Wheat and rye production for on-farm use
- Harvest and fertilizer equipment
- Drone seeding and spraying
- Rye production for cover crop seed
- Grazing cover crop mixes
- Spring and fall covers
- Cover crop and forage variety selection
- Small grains variety selection
Clair Martin, with Byron Seed, will also speak during the field day. Full event details are available at practicalfarmers.org/drones-extended-rotations-and-cover-crop-grazing-in-bloomfield.
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.