Field Days & Events
Reducing Inputs and Increasing Resilience Through Cover Crops and Building Soil Health
Wednesday, July 30 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PMOrange City, Iowa
Learn how cover crops and livestock integration can build soil health and reduce input costs at this Practical Farmers of Iowa field day near Orange City. Hosts Dave and Jon Kiel will share how they've used cover crops, no-till, and diverse rotations to improve water infiltration, manage weeds, and build resilience against weather extremes on their corn, soybean, and small grain operation. A farmer panel will also discuss alternative forage options and cover crop strategies. a meal sponsored by Mad Capital will follow the event.
For more information, or to RSVP, click here.
Strip-Till Field Day
Wednesday, July 30 | Morning & Afternoon SessionsCrawfordsville, Iowa
Get a closer look at different strip-till bars and learn how strip-till can fit into your operation at this hands-on field day ahead of the National Strip-Till Conference. Hosted in Crawfordsville at the Southeast Research and Demonstration farm, the event will feature equipment and demonstrations, opportunities to visit with equipment representatives, and a lunch presentation by Levi Powell, ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab, on strategies for success with strip-till.
For more information, or to RSVP, click here.
Operating a Cover Crop Business: The Do's and Don'ts of Application and Seeding Rates
Thursday, July 31 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PMHarlan, Iowa
Explore the ins and outs of building a thriving cover crop and native grass seeding business at this Practical Farmers of Iowa field day. Host Dan Miller of Millermatic Seed will share lessons learned in growing his aerial and ground-based seeding business, which now seeds over 600,000 pounds of cover crops each year across southwest Iowa and Nebraska. Attendees will also view seeding equipment and learn about technical aspects of seed selection, seeding rates, and airplane calibration. A social hour and meal will begin at 5 p.m., followed by presentations starting at 6 p.m.
For more information, or to RSVP, click here.
Establishing and Managing Prairie Field Day
Tuesday, August 5 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PMWashington, Iowa
Join Iowa Learning Farms for a field day at Rob and Jean Stout’s farm to learn how to establish and manage prairie on your farm. Rob Stout will share his experience using prairie to improve soil health, water quality, and farm management, while ISU’s Tim Youngquist will present research and practical tips from the STRIPS program. The event will also feature the Conservation Station On The Edge trailer and a prairie tour, weather permitting. A complimentary meal will be provided.
For more information, or to RSVP, click here.
Virtual Cover Crop Workshop
Tuesday, August 5 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PMVirtual
Join Practical Farmers of Iowa for an afternoon workshop on using cover crops in your farm operation. Learn from Nebraska farmers about grazing cover crops, managing them in extreme weather, and getting started with planting. The workshop will conclude with a farmer panel sharing insights on reducing inputs with cover crops. Speakers for this workshop include Jason Regier, Daryl Obermeyer, Kent Brown, Vance McCoy, Ruth Ready, and Clay Govier.
For more information, or to RSVP, click here.
Conservation Districts of Iowa – 79th Annual Conference
Monday, August 25 | 8:00 AM – Tuesday, August 26 | 1:00 PMAmes, Iowa
Join Conservation Districts of Iowa for the 79th Annual Conference at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center. Connect with fellow commissioners, hear updates on conservation programs, and celebrate conservation achievements across Iowa. This year’s agenda will include the Commissioners’ Annual Business Meeting, a Farm Bill update with Ryan Britt, and a presentation on climate trends from State Climatologist Justin Glisan. Attendees will also enjoy conversation presentations and open commissioner discussions, an awards banquet and keynote address, and partner updates from FSA, IDNR, NRCS, and IDALS. The conference will feature concurrent breakout sessions, a silent auction, and social networking opportunities.
For more information, or to RSVP, click here.