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


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.


Considering Cover Crops? Species, Mixes and Support To Meet Your Farm's Needs

Tuesday, July 28 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Irwin, IA

Join the Fara family for a field day exploring cover crop species, mixes and cost-share opportunities to help meet your farm's goals. Attendees will tour cover crop demonstration plots, learn about custom seeding with a no-till drill, discuss cover crop mixes for forage and hear how Eric Fara has expanded his custom cover crop business across more than 1,600 acres. A light meal will be provided following the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Relay Intercropping Field Day

Tuesday, July 28 | 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Oskaloosa, IA

Join Lucas and Gene DeBruin for an Iowa Learning Farms field day exploring relay intercropping and conservation practices. Learn how growing three crops in two years can improve soil health, reduce erosion, suppress weeds, reduce nutrient loss, increase organic matter and create additional farm revenue through cover crop seed production. The event will also feature woodland management tips from ISU Extension Forestry Specialist Billy Beck, the Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Station On The Edge trailer and, weather permitting, a tour of a neighboring relay intercropping field. A complimentary meal will be provided.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Grazing for a Goal

Wednesday, July 29 | 3:00–5:00 p.m.

Larchwood, IA

Join Karl Palmberg at Sunlight and Rain Farm to learn how adaptive grazing and soil health practices are helping build a resilient livestock operation. Attendees will explore diverse multispecies forage mixes, intensive grazing strategies, biochar and compost soil amendments and meat nutrition testing results. A meal will be provided following the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Conservation On Tap

Thursday, July 30 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.

Ames, IA

Join Iowa Learning Farms for an informal evening of conversation about conservation, water quality and agriculture at the Iowa State University Brew Lab. Farmers, landowners and urban residents are invited to connect, ask questions and share ideas with conservation experts while learning about the Brew Lab and the importance of water quality in the brewing process. Complimentary food will be provided, and attendees 21 and older who RSVP will be able to sample beverages from the ISU Brew Lab. Networking will follow the discussion.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Measuring and Interpreting Soil Health Benefits

Thursday, July 30 | 3:00–5:30 p.m.

Prairie City, IA

Join Will and Cassie Cannon for a field day focused on measuring and interpreting soil health to make better on-farm management decisions. Learn how soil health testing, fertilizer efficiency analysis and long-term conservation practices can improve nutrient management and crop performance. Attendees will also see cover crop and strip-till equipment, compost application methods and side-by-side comparisons of traditional and soil health-focused sampling techniques. A meal will be provided following the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.