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



Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm Fall Field Day

Thursday, September 10 | 1:30–4:00 p.m.

Crawfordsville, IA

Join Iowa State University Extension and Outreach for the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm Fall Field Day. Hear research farm updates from farm superintendent Cody Schneider and learn about long-term productivity and nitrate-nitrogen loss from corn and prairie bio-energy cropping systems, miscanthus production in Iowa and forage opportunities with cover crops. The field day is open to the public at no cost, and no pre-registration is required. Certified Crop Advisers can earn 1.0 Crop Management and 0.5 Soil and Water Management CEUs.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Cover Crops, Cattle and Corn Cobs

Thursday, September 10 | 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Monticello, IA

Join Nicole Vernon at Monck Farms to explore how conservation practices can work alongside row-crop and livestock production. Participants will see how cover crops are extending forage opportunities for cattle and supporting new practices like intercropping, while also learning about rotational grazing, GPS collars and the use of corn cobs for livestock bedding, feed filler and as a carbon source in bioreactors that filter tile drainage water. Lunch will follow the field day, with meat provided by Moncks Homegrown.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

 

Making Conservation Programs Work for You

Friday, September 11 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Red Oak, IA

Join Dave Carbaugh at Noble Pastures to learn how conservation programs and funding can help support improvements on the farm. Tour Dave's fourth-generation farm and see practices including filter strips, grassed waterways, riparian forest buffers, windbreaks, a pond and forage plantings. Dave will share how he has used funding from NRCS and expertise from other organizations to implement conservation projects, as well as tips for navigating the funding process. Participants will also learn about managing a pond, hay production with bird habitat in mind and planning for pasture fencing. A meal will follow the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.


Getting Back To the Land: A Farmer’s Efforts To Improve Soil Health and Water Quality Through No-Till, Covers and Livestock

Saturday, September 12 | 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Waverly, IA

Join Justin Wehling to learn how he is using no-till, cover crops and livestock to improve soil health and water quality on his farm. Justin began farming in 2023 with a conventional approach but has since started making changes, including transitioning to no-till, experimenting with roller-crimping and participating in PFI’s N Rate Risk Protection Program to reduce inputs and costs. Participants will see cattle grazing a diverse cover crop mix, learn about a relay cropping trial and hear what Justin has learned from the practices he has tried so far. He will also discuss choosing equipment, getting started with cover crops and working with neighbors to graze cover crops. Light snacks will follow the field day.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.