Field Days & Events
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, or to RSVP, click here.
Relay Intercropping Field Day
Wednesday, June 3 | 10:30am-12:30pmCoggon, 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, or to RSVP, click here.
Cover Crop Field Day
Thursday, June 4 and Thursday, June 11th | 9:30am-12:00pmWaverly, 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, or to RSVP, click here.
Watershed Mitigation Farm: Growing Food and Community, Protecting Water and Wildlife
Friday, June 5 | 10:00am-12:00pmPolk 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, or to RSVP, click here.
Cover Crop and Soil Health Field Day
Wednesday, June 10 | 10:30am-12:30pmSumner, 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, or to RSVP, click here.