Livestock Between the Rows

Livestock Between the Rows: An Adaptive Approach to Diversifying Illinois Row Crop Operation

Thursday, September 19 | 9 a.m.-Noon

Location

1020 N Musson Rd | Astoria, IL 61501

Hosts

Luke and Jen Jones with Clara, Elliott, Rhett and Emmett

Luke Jones and his family started a small farm between Rushville and Astoria, Illinois, with a diverse livestock and row crop operation. Luke has been working with other farmers for years and believes diversity is key to achieving a resilient farm that is environmentally sound and economically profitable. Luke currently is a consultant with Understanding Ag and values implementing new practices on his farm to be better prepare in his conversations with clients. At his field day, he will show and discuss no-till corn fields following roller-crimped cover crops. Guests will learn about Luke’s trial exploring grazing sheep on cover crops between strips of non-GMO corn. Luke will also discuss the principles of soil health and explain how these practices let him use fewer purchased inputs.

Meal

Lunch will follow the field day.

See & Discuss

View and discuss sheep grazing annual cover crops between cash grain strips and discuss the decision to transition to non-GMO seed

View and discuss corn planted green followed by roller-crimping standing cover crops in no-till fields
Discuss the principles of soil health and diversification in regenerative agriculture
Discuss the reduction of inputs from cover crop management and integrating livestock

Directions

Musson Road is on the north side of U.S. 24, 10 miles northeast of Rushville and Astoria. Parking will be around field edges.

Farm Info

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Thanks to Our Partners

This work is also supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number NR233A750004G053.