Virtual Cover Crop Boot Camp
July 8, 15, 22 (12 pm – 1 pm)
The series is designed to efficiently provide actionable agronomic information which can help independent and retail agronomists and crop consultants build their business through recommending and implementing cover crops.
“The needs of agronomists and advisers for information, practices, and business tactics related to cover crops has not been diminished by pandemic-related restrictions,” said Sarah Carlson, strategic initiatives director for PFI. “These webinars will provide ag professionals, who are working with farmers every day, with an opportunity to tune up muscle-memory about cover crops, learn from industry experts, and examine new ways to build their business. And they can join these lunchtime webinars from the convenience of their truck, office or living room.”
Learn more about this virtual field days, here.
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Prairie Strips – Small Footprint, Big Impact
Thursday, July 9 (1 pm – 2 pm)
Prairie strips are a farmland conservation practice that uses strategically placed native prairie plantings in crop fields. The practice has been tested by the Science-based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips (STRIPS) team since 2007 on experimental plots at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and increasingly on commercial farms across Iowa. Results from more than eight years of trials showed that converting just 10 percent of a crop field to prairie strips could result in reduction of 95 percent of the sediment, 90 percent of the phosphorus and 84 percent of the nitrogen from overland flow of surface water.
Register for this virtual field day, here.
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Rotational Pasture Series: Watering Systems
Monday, July 13 (2 pm – 2:30 pm)
Starting a pasture rotational system can be challenging. In this three-part series, you will meet three farmers who have spent their beginning farming years creating processes to make a regenerative pasture system work for their farms.
In part 1, we’ll learn about creating an efficient watering system – which is helpful when planning rotational grazing. Bill and Stacey Borrenpohl have added water lines and developed a portable water tank system to improve the way they water their Low-Line cattle on their diverse livestock farm. Join us as Bill shows us what they have done and improved in designing this system.
Register for this virtual field day, here.
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Integrating Cover Crops on a Vegetable and Poultry Farm – Termination & Turnaround to Planting
Monday, July 20 (12:30 pm – 1:05 pm)
In this three-part series, join Rob Faux to learn about the different ways he integrates cover crops throughout his vegetable and poultry farm. From spring-seeded and fall-seeded cover crops to interseeded, quick-turnaround covers in the summer and fallow beds for running poultry, Rob has tried almost everything and will show a good mix (and single-species stand!) during these virtual field days.
Register for this virtual field day, here.
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Rotational Pasture Series: Laying Hens
Monday, July 20 (2 pm – 2:30 pm)
Starting a pasture rotational system can be challenging. In this three-part series, you will meet three farmers who have spent their beginning farming years creating processes to make a regenerative pasture system work for their farms.
In part 2, we’ll learn how Susan Young is raising laying hens on pasture as part of her silvopasture system. With the help of a movable chicken coop and temporary fencing, she is able to rotate her laying hens across the pasture. Susan will lead a virtual tour of her chicken coop set-up and share tips for raising poultry rotationally on pasture.
Register for this virtual field day, here.
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Rotational Pasture Series: Goat Paddock Moves
Monday, July 27 (2 pm – 2:30 pm)
Starting a pasture rotational system can be challenging. In this three-part series, you will meet three farmers who have spent their beginning farming years creating processes to make a regenerative pasture system work for their farms.
Register for this virtual field day, here.__________________________________________________
Restoring Rare Habitats and Water Quality
Tuesday, July 28 (5 pm – 5:30 pm)
In this three-part series, landowners Jeff and Nancy Pudenz will share their vision for their land and discuss the work they are doing on their property to restore rare and declining habitats, including fens, oxbows, beaver habitat, oak savanna and more. Also hear about Jeff’s ongoing partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and learn about financial and technical assistance opportunities from USFWS biologist Darrick Weissenfluh.
Register for this virtual field day, here.
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Prairie Strips and Conservation on Rented Ground
Friday, July 31 (3 pm – 4 pm)
In part 2 of this virtual event, we’ll discuss prairie strips generally, as well as how landowners like Eric and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation are working with farmland tenants to design, install and manage prairie strips for water quality and wildlife. Ryan Schmidt, with INHF, will discuss how prairie strips are being used at the 160-acre Wallace & Bowers Nature Area, located along the northeast shore of Big Spirit Lake, which is owned and managed by INHF.
Register for this virtual field day, here.