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 


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.

 

Managed Grazing 101

Saturday, June 27 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Ames, IA

Join Bassett Farms for a hands-on pasture walk focused on practical grazing management strategies for livestock producers. Mike Bassett will share how he has developed an adaptive grazing system over the past seven years to improve pasture productivity, increase cattle carrying capacity and extend the grazing season. Attendees will learn about low-cost grazing infrastructure, forage assessment, fence deployment and grazing planning while seeing real-world examples from the farm. Discussion topics will include strip grazing, estimating available forage and converting row crop acres to permanent pasture. A meal will be provided following the event.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.


Soil Health and Diversified Systems at Blue Gate Farm

Sunday, June 28 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Chariton, IA

Join Blue Gate Farm for a field day exploring soil health, diversified farming systems and year-round vegetable production. Jill Beebout will share how she integrates flowers and vegetables to support pollinators, manages crop rotations in both fields and high tunnels, and utilizes on-farm research to improve soil health and production practices. Attendees will also learn about non-synthetic pest and weed management, value-added products, CSA marketing strategies and creating year-round farm income through online sales and high tunnel production. Light refreshments will be provided following the event.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Conserve and Economize: Drainage Water Recycling and Double-Cropping With M&M Farms

Tuesday, June 30 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Lytton, IA

Join M&M Farms for a field day highlighting innovative conservation practices that improve water quality, soil health and farm profitability. Mark and Melissa Schleisman will showcase their drainage water recycling system, which uses wetlands to filter tile drainage before reusing the water for irrigation. Attendees will also learn about cover crop integration, grazing management and double-cropping wheat and soybeans to build soil health and improve cash flow. The event will include discussions on popcorn production, wetland design and practical strategies for implementing conservation-focused farming systems.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.


Prairie Establishment and Management Field Day

Wednesday, July 1 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Walker, IA

Join Iowa Learning Farms, Iowa State University and local conservation partners for an evening field day focused on establishing and managing prairie vegetation on working farms. Hosted by Jacob and Cassandra Kubuk at Pine Hill Farm, the event will highlight practical strategies for reducing erosion, improving soil health and water quality, supporting pollinators and wildlife, and incorporating perennial vegetation into agricultural landscapes. Attendees will also hear the latest research on prairie strips from Iowa State University's STRIPS program and learn about available conservation support opportunities. The event includes a complimentary meal and concludes with a prairie tour, weather permitting.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.


ISU Weed Science Field Day 2026

Wednesday, July 1 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Ames, IA

Join Iowa State University Extension and Outreach at the Curtiss Farm for a field day focused on the latest strategies for managing herbicide-resistant weeds. Attendees will learn about current herbicide resistance challenges facing Iowa farmers, resistance management practices, herbicide efficacy research and spray technology advancements. The program includes field demonstrations and presentations from the ISU Weed Science Team and ISU Digital Agriculture specialists. A complimentary lunch will be provided following the field rotations.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.