Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Keokuk and Washington County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, will host a cover crop and no-till field day near Harper in Keokuk County on Tuesday, November 24th from noon to 2 p.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Clear Creek Heritage Association.
The no-cost event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal. Reservations are required a week before by November 17th. To RSVP or request accommodations, contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu. Attendees will also be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey and custom roasted coffee.
The field day will feature a local farmer panel including grain and livestock producers who will share how they have incorporated cover crops and no-till into their operations, lessons learned, and recommendations for those considering making the transition. Eric Adam, Keokuk County Natural Resources Conservation Service District Conservationist, and Ashley Robertson, West Fork Crooked Creek Watershed Coordinator, will discuss cost-share opportunities and available programs. A demonstration of the NRCS rainfall simulator is also planned, and a tour of a nearby cover crop field will conclude the event, weather permitting.
Ripley said the event is aimed at giving attendees practical tools for working with cover crops. “This field day aims to equip attendees with best management practices for establishing and managing cover crops. Cover crops offer many benefits to farmers and landowners, including reduced soil erosion, weed suppression potential, reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies, and increased organic matter in the soil,” she said. “When paired with no-till, additional benefits include increased water infiltration and reduced erosion during heavy rain events.”
The field day will be held at 30832 242nd Street in Harper. Iowa Learning Farms field days are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. More information is available at iowalearningfarms.org.
