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


Upcoming Field Days


Exploring Alternative Practices: Successes and Challenges in Pursuit of Sustainability 

Tuesday, June 10 | 10:30am-12:30pm

Arion, Iowa 

Join host Eric Mahaney at his farm near Arion for an engaging field day, Exploring Alternative Practices: Successes and Challenges in Pursuit of Sustainability. Over the past decade, Eric has reimagined his western Iowa operation with a focus on improving water quality, weed control, and farm efficiency through innovative organic practices. Attendees will explore techniques such as planting green into alfalfa, harvesting cereal rye for cover crop seed, and reducing field passes with a custom-built rotary hoe and air seeder system. Eric will also share insights from launching his value-added pet food business, Graz'n, and cover crop service company, BioCovered. This event offers a hands-on look at how one farmer is pursuing long-term sustainability and profitability. 

For more information, or to RSVP, click here. 


Wetland and Prairie Field Day 

Thursday, June 12 | 10:30am-12:30pm

Haverhill, Iowa

This field day will explore wetland system developed on the property and aims to assist farmers and landowners with establishing and maintaining perennial vegetation. The field day will begin with landowner Tony Brink highlighting the work he has done since purchasing the property in 1990 to increase wildlife habitat through the creating of wetlands and prairie. Kay Stefanik, Iowa Nutrient Research Center Assistant Director, will discuss the benefits of wetlands on the landscape and Kevin Andersen, Iowa DNR State Private Lands Biologist, will share best management practices for establishing and maintaining prairie. Doug Roupp, Marshall NRCS District Conservationist, will share updates on cost share programs for implementing wetlands and prairie on the land. Emily Herring, Director of Marshall County Conservation Board, will be available after lunch for prairie plant identification. 

For more information, or to RSVP, click here. 


From Field Crops to Organic Cherries: Farming for Soil Health and Diversity

Saturday, June 14 | 1:00pm-3:00pm

Keota, Iowa 

Discover how one Iowa farm is blending tradition and innovation to prioritize soil health and biodiversity. Visitors will tour fields where conventional soybeans grow in a roller-crimped rye system -- an approach that minimizes soil disturbance while improving resilience. Just steps away, a certified organic tart cherry orchard showcases the farm's use of Johnson-Su compost extract, a microbial-rich input used to build soil life naturally. The field day will also feature hands-on demonstrations of tools used for organic weed control and conversations about transitioning to organic practices. 

For more information, or to RSVP, click here. 


Stewarding Soil Through Relay Cropping Small Grains and Soybeans 

Tuesday, June 17 | 10:00am-12:00pm

Leon, Iowa 

Explore how Laban and Lori Miller are using innovative practices and boost productivity on their southern Iowa farm. By relay cropping small grains like rye and wheat with soybeans, the Millers are improving soil retention and nutrient cycling on their rolling fields. They also integrate livestock into the system -- stock cropping with pigs and chickens and grazing cover crops and marginal acres -- to build fertility and reduce erosion. With support from PFI's Cooperators' Program, they've conducted on-farm research to tract their progress and refine their methods. This field day offers a practical look at how diverse crop and livestock systems can work together to support long-term soil health. 

For more information, or to RSVP, click here. 


Time Management and Nitrogen Reduction for Cover Crop Success 

Wednesday, June 18 | 4:00pm-6:00pm

Walnut, Iowa 

Discover how Grant and Aubrey Stuart are making cover crops work across their 1,400-acre farm through smart time management, strategic nitrogen reduction, and effective use of technology. By partnering with agronomic and biological product experts, they've been able to reduce fertilizer inputs while maintaining strong yields. At this field day, you'll see how the Stuarts fine-tune their planter set-up, manage spring fieldwork efficiently, and use data to guide decisions. You'll also get a firsthand look at planting into cover crops and how they track emergence and stand success. 

For more information, or to RSVP, click here. 


Cover Crops, Carbon and Conservation: Balancing Farm Productivity with Soil Health Practices 

Thursday, June 19 | 5:00pm-7:00pm

Sperry, Iowa 

Join Michael Fosdick to explore to explore how conservation practices like cover crops, no-till, and strip-till can support both productivity and long-term soil health. Farming 470 acres while working as an agronomist, Michael brings practical, research-informed perspective to adopting and managing cover crops. At this field day, he'll share insights from on-farm trials, including efforts to reduce nitrogen rates without sacrificing yield. Attendees will also learn about carbon programs, see key equipment in action, and gain real-world tips for balancing agronomic goals with conservation values. 

For more information, or to RSVP, click here.