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


Upcoming Field Days 


Southeast Research Farm Field Day

Tuesday, June 16 | 1:30-3:30

Crawfordsville, IA

The Southeast Research Farm near Crawfordsville serves as a hub for agricultural research and demonstration projects focused on improving Iowa farming practices. Research at the 273-acre farm includes studies on corn, soybeans, small grains, soil fertility, nutrient management, tile drainage systems and alternative cropping methods. The site also features demonstrations involving native grasses and nut tree plantings.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.


Installing Drainage Water Quality Practices: An Iowa Batch & Build Contractor Workshop

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 8:30am-4:30pm | Fort Dodge, IA

Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 8:30am-4:30pm | Hiawatha, IA

This full-day workshop will provide contractors and others involved in farmland drainage with training on the construction and installation of drainage water quality improvement practices. Attendees will learn about bioreactors, saturated buffers, oxbows, wetlands and other water quality practices, along with installation best practices, construction requirements and how to submit online bids for batch and build projects. The workshop will include lectures, discussions, field visits and panel discussions with contractors, watershed coordinators and planning and design staff. Speakers will include experts from ISU Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, USDA-NRCS and the Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition. Workshop materials, refreshments and lunch are included with registration.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Cutting Nitrogen, Grazing Cattle and Cultivating Flowers on a Lucas County Farm

Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 10:00am-12:00pm

Chariton, IA

Join Ben and Hannah Offenburger of Open Gate Acres in southern Iowa as they share how they balance row crops, cattle and a new cut-flower enterprise on their diversified farm. The Offenburgers raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa and cattle while also participating in PFI’s nitrogen rate trial to help lower nitrogen inputs through data-driven decisions. Attendees will hear how they use intensive rotational grazing on 40 acres of pasture and how EQIP funding helped add fencing and water infrastructure. Ben also plants short-season soybeans to allow earlier rye cover crop establishment for grazing opportunities. Lunch will follow the field day. Topics discussed will include using nitrogen trial results to guide nitrogen management decisions, benefits of planting short-season soybeans green, crop rotations for grazing and soil health, intensive grazing management and pasture infrastructure, and diversifying the farm with a cut-flower enterprise.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.


Continuing To Learn With Cover Crops and Conservation

Friday, June 19, 2026 | 10:00am-12:00pm

Earlville, IA

John and Margaret Hogan have farmed near Earlville, Iowa, for more than 40 years, raising corn, soybeans, hay and cattle. Conservation has long been a priority on their farm, and programs like the Conservation Stewardship Program helped them adopt practices such as cover crops, no-till, native pasture management, buffer strips and pollinator plots. Attendees will hear about the Hogans’ experiences implementing conservation practices and how they’ve adapted over time. The field day will also feature fields following cover crops and the couple’s latest work using a roller-crimper to terminate cover crops. Lunch will follow the field day, with an optional tour of John’s model train set. Topics discussed will include roller-crimper results, 10 years of cover cropping, no-till drills for corn and soybeans, and prairie and pollinator plots.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.



Cooperating on Targeted Grazing in Prairie

Monday, June 22 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.

Turin, IA

Join local producer Stennie Nelson and Iowa DNR land manager and biologist Doug Chafa for a prairie-pasture walk exploring how targeted sheep grazing can support prairie health, wildlife habitat and agricultural production. Participants will learn how managed grazing is being used to maintain biodiversity, reduce woody encroachment and help restore Iowa's native tallgrass prairies while supporting meat and wool production. A meal will be provided following the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click  here.

 

Creating a Haven for Grassland Birds Through Habitat Restoration and Nature-Inspired Grazing Practices

Tuesday, June 23 | 9:00–11:30 a.m.

Lovilia, IA

Join Mike DeCook, his family and partners from the Audubon Society for a field day focused on improving grassland bird habitat through conservation and grazing practices. Participants will learn how rotational grazing, prairie restoration, wetland improvements and conservation easements can support native and migratory birds while creating resilient working landscapes.

For more information and to RSVP, click  here.

 

Roots, Wings & Wild Things: Soil Health, Pollinators and Beneficial Insects

Tuesday, June 23 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Tama, IA

Join soil health and conservation experts for an evening exploring the connections between healthy soils, pollinators and beneficial insects. Participants will compare soil health in prairie and row crop systems, learn about pollinator conservation practices and discover how beneficial insects and native plants can support productive and sustainable agricultural landscapes. Light refreshments will be served following the event.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Restoring Prairie Creek's Oxbows Field Day

Wednesday, June 24 | 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Norway, IA

Join conservation experts and local producers for a field day exploring how oxbow restoration can reduce flooding, improve water quality and provide habitat for wildlife. Participants will tour a restored oxbow and learn how this practice can help reduce nutrient runoff while making use of unproductive areas of farmland. Lunch will be provided following the presentations.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm Summer Field Day

Thursday, June 25 | 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Lewis, IA

Join Iowa State University researchers and extension specialists at the Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm for a summer field day focused on crop fertility, disease management, weed control and cover crop adoption. Attendees will learn about sulfur's impact on corn and soybeans, fungicide performance under current disease pressures, soybean herbicide strategies and best management practices for herbicide use. Lunch will be provided, and the event is open to the public at no cost thanks to support from ISU Extension and Outreach, ISU Research Farms and the Wallace Foundation.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Opportunities for Growth on an Organic Farm

Friday, June 26 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.

Wesley, IA

Join Bob and Sara Pearson of Prairie Sky Farm for a field day focused on the opportunities and challenges of organic farming. Participants will learn how the Pearsons use organic practices to build soil health, improve water retention, support beneficial insects and enhance nutrient cycling while growing organic corn, soybeans and oats. A light meal sponsored by Mad Capital will follow the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.