Field Days & Events
Roots, Residue & Results: Managing Nutrients, Residue & Cover Crops
Tuesday, March 17 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PMCresco, Iowa
Join farmers and conservation professionals for Roots, Residue & Results, a workshop focused on nutrient management, crop residue, and cover crop strategies. Barry Fisher, retired NRCS Soil Health Team Lead, will present on residue management, nutrient cycling, and intentional cover crop management, followed by small group discussions on soil health.
For more information, or to RSVP, click here.
Conservation On Tap
Thursday, March 19 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PMAltoona, Iowa
Join Iowa Learning Farms for an informal discussion focused on conservation and water quality. Farmers, landowners, and community members are invited to ask questions, share perspectives, and connect with others interested in conservation practices.
The conversation will be led by Liz Ripley, Matt Helmers, and Mark Licht, with Brightside Aleworks co-owner Andrew Frana opening the event by discussing the importance of water quality in brewing. Food will be provided, with time for networking following the discussion.
For more information, or to RSVP, click here.
Cover Crop and Plant Disease Workshop
Tuesday, March 24 | 12:30 PM - 2:30 PMAmes, Iowa
Join Iowa Learning Farms for a Cover Crop and Plant Disease workshop exploring how cover crops can influence disease in corn and the best management practices to reduce risk. The workshop will feature ISU Extension Field Crop Pathologist Alison Robertson, along with local farmer Mark Kenney and ISU Conservation Field Specialist Ethan Thies, who will share research, practical insights, and alternative cover crop options.
For more information, or to RSVP, click here.
Virtual Field Day: Co-benefits and Possible Unintended Consequences of Restoring Wetlands for Nutrient Reduction
Thursday, March 26 | 1:00 PMVirtual
Join Iowa Learning Farms and the Iowa Nutrient Research Center for a virtual field day exploring the ecological benefits and potential unintended impacts of restoring wetlands for nutrient reduction. ISU assistant professor Charlie Loewen and graduate researchers will discuss how wetlands reduce nutrient runoff, support wildlife habitat, and influence aquatic ecosystems.
For more information, or to RSVP, click here.
Soil Health Workshop & Field Day
Friday, March 27 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMOakville, Iowa
Join farmers and conservation professionals for a Soil Health Workshop & Field Day featuring presentations and field demonstrations focused on improving soil health. Speakers include Kelly Garrett of Garrett Land & Cattle, Clint Frese of Calibrated Agronomy, and Elyssa McFarland of Calvin Ridge Farm.
Attendees will also see demonstrations including a rainfall simulator, soil pits, and a planting green demo (weather permitting).
RSVP by March 20 to Jamie Stewart at 319-753-6221 Ext. 3971 or Jamie.Steward@usda.gov.
Why it Pays to Test Your Soil Nitrogen
Friday, March 27 | 1 PMVirtual
This free webinar from Iowa Farm Bureau and Iowa State University (ISU) is designed to provide new data and tools to farmers regarding this season’s nitrate trends that translate into practical, cost-saving tips for planting season. The webinar will feature ISU researchers Dr. Matt Helmers, Dr. Mike Castellano and Dr. Richard Roth who will share findings from their recent modeling analysis of soil mineralization and the factors contributing to the unusual nitrogen levels this winter, along with the latest nitrogen fertility support tools available to farmers to reduce input costs and support yield goals while protecting water quality.
For more information, or to RSVP, click here.
Cover Crop and CRP Field Day
Thursday, April 2 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PMCarpenter, Iowa
Join Iowa Learning Farms, Rock Creek Watershed, and the Mitchell County SWCD for a Cover Crop and CRP Field Day focused on best practices for establishing and managing cover crops and enrolling land in the Conservation Reserve Program. Speakers will share farmer experiences, program details, and strategies to improve soil health and water quality.
For more information, or to RSVP, click here.