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


Managing Manure and Livestock To Reduce Row Crop Inputs + Ryelage Demo

Monday, June 1 | 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Atlantic, IA

Iowa Learning Farms will host a field day at A to Z Feeders near Atlantic featuring farmer Alan Zellmer. Attendees will learn how Zellmer integrates row crops and cattle through rotational grazing, manure management and double cropping with rye and soybeans. The field day will also include a ryelage-making demonstration and discussion on soil testing, precision nutrient application and using bedding from cattle barns to fertilize crop fields.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.


Relay Intercropping Field Day

Wednesday, June 3 | 10:30am-12:30pm

Coggon, IA

Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Northeast Iowa RC&D and the American Flood Coalition, will host a relay intercropping field day at Mike Bretz’s farm near Coggon. Bretz will discuss how he has successfully incorporated cover crops into his operation and the benefits relay intercropping can provide, including reduced erosion, weed suppression and improved soil health. The event will also include a field tour and discussion on conservation practices.

For more information and to RSVP, click here

 

Cover Crop Field Day

Thursday, June 4 and Thursday, June 11th | 9:30am-12:00pm

Waverly, IA

Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa Corn, will host a cover crop field day at the Mueller Farm near Waverly. Attendees will hear from experts and local farmers about cover crop management, long-term use and ways to reduce potential yield risks. The field day will also feature long-term cover crop strips and trial results to help farmers better understand how these practices could work on their own operations.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Watershed Mitigation Farm: Growing Food and Community, Protecting Water and Wildlife

Friday, June 5 | 10:00am-12:00pm

Polk City, IA

Join Ray and Susan Meylor at Watershed Mitigation Farm near Polk City for a field day focused on water quality, conservation and wildlife habitat. Attendees will tour the farm and learn about erosion control practices including prairie plantings, agroforestry stands and water retention ponds that help remove nitrates from runoff before it enters the watershed. The Meylors will also discuss ways farmers can improve water quality while creating wildlife habitat and sustainable food systems. Lunch will follow the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.


Central Iowa Resilient Systems Field Day

Tuesday, June 9 | 8:30am-3:00pm

Ames, IA

Join Iowa State University at the ISU Beef Teaching Farm near Ames for a field day focused on improving resilience in forage and livestock systems during changing weather conditions. Attendees will participate in hands-on demonstrations covering diverse cropping systems, soil structure, root development and water movement. The event will also feature rhizobox demonstrations, soil pit discussions and sessions connecting soil health and forage systems to livestock management practices. Lunch will be provided. Registration is $20 per person and space is limited.

For more information and to register, click here.

 

Cover Crop and Soil Health Field Day

Wednesday, June 10th | 10:30am-12:30pm

Sumner, IA

Iowa Learning Farms will host a cover crop and soil health field day near Sumner as part of the “Beyond the Basics: Advanced Cover Crop Series.” Attendees will hear from Peter O’Brien and Sabrina Ruis with USDA-ARS about how cover crops help protect and improve soil health. Local farmer Jeff Pleggenkuhle will also share his experiences and management decisions using cover crops on his farm. The field day will include a field tour and a Conservation Station rainfall simulator demonstration showing soil movement under different land management practices.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

From Low Diversity to Thriving Habitat: Prairie for People and Wildlife

Wednesday, June 10 | 9:00am-11:00am

Zearing, IA

Join Tim and Mandy Youngquist of Otter Creek Natives near Zearing for a field day focused on converting low-diversity land into thriving native prairie habitat. Attendees will learn practical steps for establishing prairie, selecting diverse seed mixes and supporting pollinators and wildlife. The walking tour will also highlight how prairies improve water quality, benefits beneficial insects and strengthens rural communities. Lunch will follow the event.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Cover Crop Field Day

Thursday, June 11 | 9:30am-12:00pm

Dayton, IA

Iowa Learning Farms, Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa Corn will host a cover crop field day at Blair Farm near Dayton. Attendees will hear from experts and fellow farmers about cover crop management, long-term use and ways to reduce potential yield risks. The event will also feature long-term cover crop strips and trial results to help farmers better understand how these practices can work on their own operations. A complimentary meal will be provided.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.