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


Oats and Drones: Transforming a Farm, Two Steps at a Time

Tuesday, July 14 | 3:00–5:00 p.m.

Osage, IA

Join farmer Joe Rowe for a field day showcasing how oats, cover crops and drone technology are helping build a more resilient farming operation. Learn about strip-till, no-till and cover crops, managing oats for the food-grade market, interseeding clover with oats, drone applications for fertilizer and crop protection, and alternative phosphorus sources. Light refreshments will be served following the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Your Hands-On Experience with Oxbows

Tuesday, July 14 | 9:00–10:30 a.m.

Williams, IA

Join the Iowa Soybean Association for a hands-on field day showcasing oxbow restoration and its role in improving water quality across Iowa's working landscapes. Tour a restored oxbow, learn how conservation practices can fit into your farming operation and hear from experts about the water quality benefits of oxbows. ISA conservation specialists will also be available to discuss conservation resources and opportunities for your farm.

For more information and to register, click here.


Expanding Cover Crop Impact: Seed Production and Reduced Inputs

Wednesday, July 15 | 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Bennett, IA

Join Chad and Wendy Petersen for a field day focused on expanding the impact of cover crops through seed production and reduced fertilizer inputs. Learn how the Petersens are producing their own cover crop seed, reducing phosphorus and nitrogen applications while maintaining yields, and integrating cover crops into their corn and soybean rotation. Attendees will also see rye grown for seed, fields following cover crops and equipment used for cover crop seeding. A meal will follow the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Trying and Promoting Soil Health and Water Quality Practices in Northern Iowa

Thursday, July 16 | 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Wallingford, IA

Join Derek Young for a field day focused on soil health, water quality and conservation practices in northern Iowa. Learn about cover crops, strip-till and no-till systems, reducing nitrogen through manure management, and strategies for managing corn-on-corn with rye cover crops. Attendees will also hear from members of the Northwest Iowa Ag Stewardship Alliance about farmer-led conservation efforts in the region. A meal will follow the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Petite Prairies: Small-Scale Blooms, Big Benefits for Pollinators

Friday, July 17 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Prairie City, IA

Join Catherine Schut at Hive and Petal for a walking tour of her boutique flower farm and learn how small-scale prairie plantings can provide big benefits for pollinators and soil health. Discover how organically inspired practices, honeybees and restored prairie work together to support a thriving ecosystem, and hear about the conservation programs and partnerships that have helped expand prairie habitat on the farm. Light refreshments will follow the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.


Starting a Cover Crop Business, Flying Drones and Seeding Covers

Monday, July 20 | 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Forest City, IA

Join Mark and Brenda Kingland for a field day showcasing how drones and cover crops are improving efficiency and soil health on their Winnebago County farm. Attendees will see live drone demonstrations for seeding and liquid applications, learn about the benefits of using a cereal rye, triticale and winter camelina cover crop mix, and hear how Stuart McCulloh turned his experience in the Cover Crop Business Accelerator program into a growing business opportunity. The event will also explore how drone technology can diversify farm income while supporting conservation practices.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Shop Talk

Tuesday, July 21 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.

Homestead, IA

Join the Iowa Soybean Association Research Center for Farming Innovation, Ross McCaw and Amana Farms for a discussion focused on making cover crops work on your operation. Attendees will explore seeding methods, stand establishment, equipment considerations, livestock grazing, in-season management and termination strategies while hearing practical experiences from the field. Coffee and refreshments will be provided, and participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow farmers and share ideas.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Organic Kernza, Sunflowers and Oats: Seeking Financial and Agronomic Sustainability

Tuesday, July 21 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Cambridge, IA

Join Caleb Akin and Noah Wendt of A & W Farms for a field day exploring how organic farming and diverse crop rotations can improve both farm profitability and sustainability. Attendees will tour fields featuring second-year Kernza, sunflowers grown for oil production and food-grade oats nearing harvest, while learning how cover crops, reduced tillage and niche crops fit into the operation. The event will also cover marketing opportunities for diverse crops, straw management and the use of camera-guided cultivation technology. A light meal will be provided following the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Conservation in Action on a Multigenerational Family Farm

Wednesday, July 22 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

West Branch, IA

Join the Fawcett family for a field day highlighting decades of conservation practices on their multigenerational farm in Cedar County. Attendees will learn how no-till, cover crops, riparian and saturated buffers, prairie restoration and tree plantings have helped improve soil health, reduce erosion and support long-term farm sustainability. The family will share how they manage these practices while maintaining a productive operation and preserving the land for future generations. Lunch will be provided following the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Hands-On Honey and Beeswax Processing

Thursday, July 23 | 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Lynnville, IA

Get hands-on experience with honey and beeswax processing at Ebert Honey, where attendees will learn how a family beekeeping operation has grown from just 10 colonies to nearly 1,500 hives. Participants will explore the honey extraction process, bottling techniques, creamed and comb honey production, and beeswax candle making while gaining insight into how the operation continues to adapt and grow. A light lunch will be provided following the field day. Due to the interactive nature of the event, attendance is limited to 20 participants, and registration is required.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Prairie Tour and Harvest Dinner

Friday, July 24 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Milford, IA

Experience an unforgettable evening celebrating Iowa's natural landscapes through food, education and conservation. The evening begins with a guided tour of native prairie and wetlands at The Prairie Flower in Spencer, where guests will explore vibrant wildflowers, pollinators and the beauty of Iowa's summer landscape. The event continues at Little Sioux Stems in Milford with an outdoor harvest dinner featuring a seasonal menu made with locally sourced ingredients. Throughout the evening, attendees will learn about the connections between people, pollinators, plants and the land that sustains us.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.