Armstrong Research Farm Hosts Field Day on June 26

By Andi Anderson

Iowa State University’s Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm in Lewis will hold its annual summer field day on Thursday, June 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public, offering valuable information for farmers and ag professionals interested in boosting profitability through resilient farming practices.

The field day will begin with Wes Everman, ISU Extension weed management specialist, who will discuss integrated weed control strategies. Following him, Iowa farmer James Holz, co-owner of Iowa Cover Crop, will explore financial insights and benefits of cover crop use.

In the afternoon, the Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) team will lead a session on how to assess soil function. Rick Cruse, ISU agronomy professor and Iowa Water Center director, will talk about managing water resources and building resilience to climate change.

Daren Mueller, ISU plant pathologist, will close the event with practical advice on managing corn and soybean diseases to improve yields.

Aaron Saeugling, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach, described the event as an interactive opportunity to learn from hands-on experiences. Attendees will also have access to research plots and farm staff to ask questions about ongoing projects and farm operations.

The event is organized in partnership with the Southwest Iowa Soil Health (SWISH) group, a collaboration of volunteer farmers, Extension staff, NRCS, and IDALS personnel committed to soil health awareness.

Support for the field day comes from SWISH, the Armstrong Farm, the Wallace Foundation, ISU Extension and Outreach, and the Iowa Soybean Association.

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by June 19 by contacting Ruth Blomquist at 319-541-2969 or emailing ruth.blomquist@usda.gov. A complimentary lunch will be provided during the event.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university