Third Annual Midwest Covers & Grains Conference Coming to Baraboo, Wisconsin on March 5
Farmers invited to learn how to successfully farm with small grains and cover crops
Contact: Elizabeth Wilhelm | Senior Media Relations Coordinator | (515) 232-5661 | elizabeth.wilhelm@practicalfarmers.org
AMES, Iowa (Jan. 23, 2025) — Farmers, landowners and friends of farmers interested in cover crops and small grains are invited to Practical Farmers of Iowa’s third annual Midwest Covers & Grains Conference. The conference offers farmers the opportunity to learn from 8 farmer-led sessions, engage in meaningful discussion and gain practical insights on extended rotations and cover crops.
The event takes place Wednesday, March 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Great Wolf Lodge (1400 Great Wolf Drive) in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Registration is open and farmers from across the Midwest are invited to attend.
“Small grains and cover crops are gaining popularity across the Midwest, and it’s exciting to see more farmers exploring their potential,” says Taylor Hintch, PFI’s senior field crops education coordinator. “This conference is all about creating a place for farmers to learn directly from each other, so they can walk away with new ideas and tools to help their own farm thrive.”
Attendees will gather to discuss and explore the challenges and benefits of extended rotations and cover crops, with or without livestock. All sessions are led by farmer speakers, and attendees can expect to gain insights tailored to their experience level — whether they’re seasoned practitioners or just starting out.
Conference schedule: The conference opens at 8 a.m. with breakfast, followed by two sessions from 9-11:20 a.m.
In the first session, “Ag Econ 536: Cover Crops,” Kyle Nilsestuen, of Arcadia, Wisconsin, will share how he has worked with his watershed’s cover crop group to examine the financial feasibility of cover crops in his area. He will offer insights gained through his own experience and from other local farmers about cover crop economics, including the importance of including livestock in the equation.
In the second session, “Determining Which Small Grains to Grow in the Upper Midwest,” Graham Adsit, of East Troy, Wisconsin, will share about the many small grain crops he has tried on his farm over the years, identify barriers to success for many farmers, and offer tips for incorporating small grains that will bring resilience and long-term profit to your farm.
After lunch and networking time, two blocks of breakout sessions will follow until 3:50 p.m. A farmer social will immediately follow the conference at Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co. (110 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy S) in Wisconsin Dells at 4:30 p.m.
Pre-registration ends on Feb. 27. After that, walk-ins are welcome unless the venue is at capacity. The cost is free for PFI members or $50 for non-members.
For full conference details and to register, visit practicalfarmers.org/midwest-covers-and-grains-conference. For questions, contact Taylor Hintch at (515) 232-5661 or taylor.hintch@practicalfarmers.org.
This event is supported by ADM re:generations.
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About Practical Farmers: Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit with more than 9,000 members that equips farmers to build resilient farms and communities. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities. To learn more, visit http://practicalfarmers.org.