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


Upcoming field days 


Using Data for Informed Decision-Making in Northwest Iowa

Monday, August 31 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Sioux Rapids, IA

Join Practical Farmers of Iowa for a field day exploring how farmer Will Jones uses data to guide management decisions across nearly 3,000 acres of row crops. Participants will learn about soil and tissue sampling, corn-on-corn rotations, winter camelina cover crops and strip-till practices. The field day will include visits to fields where these practices are being used, a look at strip-till equipment and a discussion of how sampling data and biological products have influenced Will’s decisions. A meal will follow the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Establishing Native Historical Prairie Through Targeted Seed Selection

Tuesday, September 1 | 9–11 a.m.

Coon Rapids, IA

Join Practical Farmers of Iowa for a field day at Diversity Farms focused on restoring resilient native prairie through targeted seed selection. Farmer and prairie restoration specialist Jon Judson will share how he uses high-quality genetics from remnant prairie to establish diverse prairie landscapes. Participants will learn about local soil types, prairie biodiversity and native wildlife, as well as opportunities to preserve prairie through permanent easements and return former cropland to its historic habitat. Attendees should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven ground.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

From Field to Feed

Wednesday, September 2 | 4:30–7 p.m.

Ames, IA

Join the Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa State University for an event exploring how research and market development are creating new opportunities for soybean farmers. Participants will tour the ISU Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, learn how high oleic soybeans are expanding demand in dairy rations and hear how soybean checkoff investments are supporting research and strengthening the long-term value of Iowa soybeans. Dinner will be provided, followed by research updates and presentations on building demand for Iowa soybeans..

For more information and to RSVP, click here.


Cover Crops, Cattle and Corn Cobs

Thursday, September 10 | 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Monticello, IA

Join Nicole Vernon at Monck Farms to explore how conservation practices can work alongside row-crop and livestock production. Participants will see how cover crops are extending forage opportunities for cattle and supporting new practices like intercropping, while also learning about rotational grazing, GPS collars and the use of corn cobs for livestock bedding, feed filler and as a carbon source in bioreactors that filter tile drainage water. Lunch will follow the field day, with meat provided by Moncks Homegrown.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm Fall Field Day

Thursday, September 10 | 1:30–4:00 p.m.

Crawfordsville, IA

Join Iowa State University Extension and Outreach for the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm Fall Field Day. Hear research farm updates from farm superintendent Cody Schneider and learn about long-term productivity and nitrate-nitrogen loss from corn and prairie bio-energy cropping systems, miscanthus production in Iowa and forage opportunities with cover crops. The field day is open to the public at no cost, and no pre-registration is required. Certified Crop Advisers can earn 1.0 Crop Management and 0.5 Soil and Water Management CEUs.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.


Making Conservation Programs Work for You

Friday, September 11 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Red Oak, IA

Join Dave Carbaugh at Noble Pastures to learn how conservation programs and funding can help support improvements on the farm. Tour Dave's fourth-generation farm and see practices including filter strips, grassed waterways, riparian forest buffers, windbreaks, a pond and forage plantings. Dave will share how he has used funding from NRCS and expertise from other organizations to implement conservation projects, as well as tips for navigating the funding process. Participants will also learn about managing a pond, hay production with bird habitat in mind and planning for pasture fencing. A meal will follow the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.