FAIRFIELD, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in partnership with Iowa Learning Farms, Cedar Creek Watershed, Lower Skunk Watershed and Jefferson County Farm Bureau, will host a cover crop field day Thursday, Aug. 31, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
The field day will start at the Jefferson County Extension Office with a complimentary meal prepared by the Jefferson County Cattlemen and welcome from ISU Extension Field Agronomist Rebecca Vittetoe.
Lanessa Baker, Cedar Creek Watershed Coordinator, and Lower Skunk River Watershed Coordinator Miranda Haes will share information about local cost share opportunities available to farmers interested in trying cover crops on their farms.
Following the meal, weather permitting, attendees will visit Jefferson County farmer John Peck’s field to learn more about different cover crop establishment methods. Peck has been using cover crops on his farm with the main goal of reducing soil erosion. Peck started looking at different seeding methods such as aerial seeding and inter-seeding to help him establish cover crops on his farm. He will share what he has learned while getting cover crops integrated into his farming operation.
Liz Juchems, Iowa Learning Farms Field Research Coordinator, will share research results from Iowa Learning Farms' cover crop seeding techniques project. Vittetoe will lead a discussion on considerations for integrating cover crops into a farm operation.
The field day is free and open to the public, but reservations are suggested by Aug. 28 to help with the meal count. For more information or to RSVP contact the Jefferson County Extension office at 641-472-4166 or Rebecca Vittetoe at 319-653-4811 or rka8@iastate.edu.