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

Making USDA Programs Work for You

Monday, June 20 (4pm-7pm)

Big Creek Farms, 30608 S Smith St, Lamoni, IA 50140

What do hoop houses, tree plantings and grazing infrastructure all have in common? They can all be funded in part through working lands conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Join Chad and Katie Hensley to learn how they’ve funded a range projects on their diverse Decatur County cut flower, produce and grass-fed heritage beef farm.

For more information and to register, click here by June 15.


Myth: “Conservation Cost Too Much” – Economics of Transitioning to a Soil Health System

Tuesday, June 21 (1pm-2:30)

Webinar Series Part 2

The second session will review the economic benefits of transitioning to a soil health system, busting the myth that “Conservation Costs Too Much.” Discover tools ag economists and commercial lenders use to assist farmers in any transition, and how to value the long term improvements a soil health system provides.

For more information and to register, click here.


Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Design and Function of Phosphorus Removal Structures

Wednesday, June 22 (12pm)

Live Webinar

The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar taking place June 22 at noon CDT will feature Dr. Chad Penn, research soil chemist at United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service and Purdue University. Penn studies nutrient transport, crop nutrient uptake efficiency, improvements in phosphorus fertility recommendations and thermodynamics. His work at the National Soil Erosion Research Lab includes utilization of the Phosphorus Transport Reduction App (P-TRAP) for phosphorus removal structure design.

In the webinar, Penn will provide a summary of phosphorus (P) removal structure design and functions. In addition, he will discuss what these structures can and cannot do, as well as providing examples of different designs and an overview of where they can be most effective. Penn will also cover the economics of P removal structure practices as well as the required inputs to enable proper design and successful implementation.

For more information, click here.   


Connecting Agriculture and Conservation 

Saturday, June 25 (10am-1pm)

Nutty Farmer Chestnuts, 27242 E Ave, Radcliffe, IA 50230

Are you curious about how you can add more diversity, habitat or conservation practices to your farmland? Join us this summer at Nutty Farmer Chestnuts to learn how Heath Stolee has integrated chestnut trees, prairie strips, a 16-acre Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) wetland – and more – on his Hardin County farm.

Heath will share how he has integrated conservation with agriculture on his farm, and connected with organizations like Ducks Unlimited and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to create habitat and diversity. Nutty Farmer Chestnuts is a veteran-owned family farm that grows chestnut trees and has integrated other conservation practices throughout the years.

For more information and to register, click here by June 20.


Myth: “Tile and Conservation Don’t Mix” – Drainage Opportunities & Challenges

Monday, June 27 (1pm-2:30pm)

Live Webinar Series Part 3

The myth “Tile and Conservation Don’t Mix” is a misconception that may be limiting farmers’ interest in adopting conservation practices. Tile systems can be designed to mitigate the risk of nutrient loss often associated with drainage, while also providing a foundation for soil health systems to thrive. Hear a farmer’s perspective on how conservation drainage practices have impacted his operation.

For more information and to register, click here.


Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Webinar Series 

Wednesday, June 29 (12pm)

The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar taking place June 29 at noon CDT will feature Vince Sitzmann from Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. 

For more information, click here.