Published Jan 21, 2026

Midwest Covers & Grains Conference Coming to Washington, Illinois on March 4
By Elizabeth Wilhelm
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. 21, 2026) — Farmers, landowners and friends of farmers interested in cover crops and small grains are invited to Practical Farmers of Iowa’s Midwest Covers & Grains Conference. Attendees can learn from eight farmer-led sessions, engage in meaningful discussion and gain practical insights on extended rotations, cover crops and incorporating livestock.

The event takes place on Wednesday, March 4, from 8 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. at the Five Points Washington Community Center (360 N Wilmor Rd) in Washington, Illinois. Registration is open, and farmers from across the Midwest are invited to attend.

“Now in its fourth year, this conference brings farmers together to share what’s working on their farms and what they’re learning,” says Solveig Orngard, PFI’s senior field crops education coordinator. “Hearing directly from other farmers helps attendees better understand what might work on their own operations.”

All sessions are led by farmers, and attendees can expect to gain insights tailored to their experience level — whether they’re seasoned practitioners or just starting out.

Schedule: The conference opens at 8 a.m. with breakfast, followed by two sessions from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

  • Session 1: “Choosing Cover Crops to Meet Your Field’s Needs”

Brad Zimmerman of Groveland, Illinois, will discuss how to select cover crop species based on field-specific needs and how cover crops can be used to improve soil health and profitability. He also encourages growers to continue to push the envelope with cover crops and experiment outside of their comfort zone.

  • Session 2: “Principles of Soil Health: Expanding Diversity in Corn Belt Agriculture”

Monte Bottens of Cambridge, Illinois, will share how he integrates small grains, diverse cover crops and livestock into his rotations. He will also discuss the opportunities and challenges of maximizing biodiversity in Corn Belt agriculture.

After a networking activity and lunch, two blocks of breakout sessions will follow until 3:50 p.m. A social will follow the conference from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kep’s Sports Bar & Grill (313 Muller Rd) in Washington.

Pre-registration closes Feb. 27. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows. Registration is free for PFI members and $75 for non-members.

For full conference details and to register, visit practicalfarmers.org/midwest-covers-and-grains-conference. For questions, contact Solveig Orngard at (515) 232-5661 or solveig.orngard@practicalfarmers.org

This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number NR233A750004G053. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition, any reference to specific brands or types of products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for those products or services. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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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.