JEFFERSON, Iowa — Iowa Learning Farms and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a cover crop and no-till field day Tuesday, March 26 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Greene County Extension Office. The event is free, open to the whole family and includes a complimentary meal.
Fall 2018 was a challenge for most farmers because it started raining in early September as the corn and soybeans were maturing and continued to stay wet through harvest. With a priority on getting the crop in the field, there was limited time to complete fall tillage.
However, these circumstances present an opportunity to save money on input costs by implementing no-till this spring and to protect the soil from erosion and improve weed control by adding a cover crop this fall.
The workshop agenda will include James Holz, Greene County farmer and co-owner of Iowa Cover Crop, who will share his experiences with cover crops and tips for successfully adding them to your operation.
Chris Henning, a Greene County landowner, will discuss how working together with her tenant to implement cover crops and no-till has improved the soil health of her land.
Iowa State Extension Cropping Specialist Mark Licht will provide timely advice for preparing your planter and other considerations for no-tilling corn and soybeans this spring.
Liz Juchems, Iowa Learning Farms conservation outreach specialist, will share results from cover crop projects examining species selection, water quality implications and soil health indicators, such as earthworms.
The field day will be held at the Greene County Extension Office at 104 W. Washington St. in Jefferson. Reservations are suggested to ensure adequate space and food. RSVP to Liz Juchems at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu.
Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
