AMES, Iowa -- Farmers and producer groups interested in alternative crop production options are invited to attend an “Alternative Crops for Iowa Farms” meeting at locations throughout Iowa in February and March. The meetings are hosted by the Iowa State University Extension (ISU) Value Added Agriculture Program and ISU Agronomy Extension.

The series of meeting highlights organic flax, triticale for livestock feed and forage and field peas as an alternative protein source in livestock rations. The program will include current research, various production techniques and profitability projections for all three crop enterprises.

Workshops will be held

• Feb. 26 at the Buena Vista County Extension Office, Storm Lake;
• Feb. 27 at the Crawford County Extension Office in Denison;
• March 2 at the Johnson County Extension Office in Iowa City, and
• March 12 in the Community Room of the Freedom Bank in Postville.

Meetings will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. No pre-registration is necessary; participants will register at the door for $5 to cover materials and refreshments.

For more information, contact the Value Added Agriculture Program office at (515) 294-9483.

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