AMES, Iowa — Iowa Learning Farms will host a webinar Sept. 18 at 12 p.m. about the benefits of integrating perennial vegetation into underperforming parts of crop fields.
“Ever wonder if something more profitable, productive and environmentally friendly could be grown in the bare spots you see in fields? We did too! Spoiler alert: perennial plants checked all the boxes,” said Emily Heaton, an associate professor at Iowa State University. Heaton is a plant scientist who is working on sustainable biomass production systems. She will discuss how the use of perennial plants in underperforming parts of fields can have a positive impact on the farm economy, water quality and bioenergy feedstock production.
When asked what she hoped webinar participants will take away from their viewing, Heaton said, “Perennial plants are to agriculture what exercise is to human health: a straightforward, consistently effective solution to a multitude of challenges.” Tune into the webinar to learn more about the integration of perennial vegetation into crop fields and the benefits that doing so could have.
A Certified Crop Adviser board approved continuing education unit (CEU) is available for those who are able to watch the live webinar. Information for submitting your CCA/CPAg/CPSS/CPSC number to earn the credit will be provided at the end of the presentation.
To watch, go to www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars and click the link to join the webinar shortly before 12 p.m. Sept. 18, to download the Zoom software and log in option. The webinar will be recorded and archived on the ILF website for watching at any time at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.
Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (USEPA section 319) and GROWMARK Inc.