AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a cover crop, water quality and cost share field day on Aug. 8 in Roland.
The workshop will be held at the Roland Community Center and run from 5:30-8 p.m. ISU Extension and Outreach specialists will share research-based information on how cover crops can improve nitrogen management while also increasing the understanding of practices that minimize nitrate-nitrogen loss.
The evening will begin with complimentary meal and will feature presentations from water quality researchers and local farmers.
Hilary Olson, soil conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, will provide an update on cost share program available to farmers who implement nitrogen management practices. Representatives from Practical Farmers of Iowa also will be on hand to share incentive opportunities through a project with food processing company ADM.
Tim Couser, Nevada farmer, will talk about his experiences incorporating cover crops into his corn and soybean operation. The event will conclude with a field visit to an Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Learning Lab project that is studying how implementation of conservation practices can reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loss at the watershed scale in Iowa. The project is specifically focused on the adoption of practices like cover crops that reduce the movement of nitrogen and phosphorus on a large percentage of the watershed’s agricultural land.
The field day is free and is open to the public. In order to get an accurate head count for the meal, please RSVP to Iowa Learning Farms by calling 515-294-5429 or via email at ilf@iastate.edu. There are 1.5 hours of soil and water CCA credits available to attendees.
The event is sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach, Iowa Learning Farms and Practical Farmers of Iowa.
PHOTO by Iowa Learning Farms.