Below is a list of upcoming conservation field days around the state. For a complete list of future conservation field days, click here. 


Upcoming Field Days


Restoring Oxbows to Improve Water Quality on Farms: The Example of White Fox Creek

Saturday, August 15 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Webster City, IA

Join landowner Selden Spencer and longtime farm manager Ray Fry for a field day exploring how restored oxbows can improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat and support conservation on working farms. Participants will learn about the restoration of an oxbow along White Fox Creek, the importance of these former stream channels for reducing nutrient runoff, and their role in creating habitat for species like the endangered Topeka shiner. The walk will include uneven terrain, and attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for opening introductions. Light refreshments will be provided following the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Nutrient Management Field Day

Tuesday, August 18 | 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Reinbeck, IA

Join the Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Nitrogen Initiative and NRCS for a hands-on field day focused on making smarter nitrogen management decisions. Participants will learn how data-driven nitrogen tools can improve profitability while reducing risk, explore conservation programs that support productive farming, and hear practical insights from experts and fellow farmers on strategies they can implement on their own operations. Lunch will be provided, with check-in beginning at 10:30 a.m.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

A Practical Farm Family’s Journey: Sustaining a Legacy of Stewardship

Saturday, August 22 | 2:00–5:00 p.m.

Harlan, IA

Join the Rosmann family for a field day at their 700-acre certified organic farm near Harlan. The family will share how they use practices like contour farming, ridge-till, composting and crop rotation to care for their land while raising crops and livestock. Attendees will tour the farm, hear about continuing these practices across generations and learn about marketing organic beef and pork. A meal will be provided following the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Cover Crop Field Day

Wednesday, August 26 | 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Spirit Lake, IA

Join Iowa Learning Farms and the Northwest Iowa Ag Stewardship Alliance at Boettcher Family Farms for a field day focused on cover crops and conservation practices. Participants will learn best management practices for establishing and managing cover crops, including nutrient management, no-till and strip-till. The event will also explore how these practices can reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss, improve water infiltration and build soil organic matter. Attendees will hear from local farmers and conservation experts and see Iowa Learning Farms’ Conservation Station rainfall simulator in action. A complimentary meal will be provided.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.


Prairie Establishment and Management Field Day

Thursday, August 27 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Gilbert, IA

Join Iowa Learning Farms for a field day focused on establishing and managing prairie on agricultural land. Participants will learn how prairie vegetation can reduce soil erosion, build soil health, provide pollinator and wildlife habitat and add value to the landscape. Experts and local farmers will share research and practical recommendations for incorporating and maintaining prairie, including the use of controlled burns and available conservation support. Weather permitting, the event will conclude with a prairie tour followed by a complimentary meal.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.


Boosting a Farm’s Resiliency Through Cover Crops and Crop Rotations

Thursday, August 27 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.

Marengo, IA

Join farmer Ross McCaw for a field day focused on how he uses cover crops and crop rotations on his farm. Attendees will learn how Ross is working to reduce nitrogen use, raise rye for seed and use cover crops for cattle grazing. The field day will include a look at a diverse cover crop mix following rye harvest and a field being prepared for corn the following year.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.