By Andi Anderson
Iowa Learning Farms will host a cover crop and grazing field day near Osage on Thursday, November 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Green County Farms, 3386 Hickory Ave. The event is free for farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.
The field day will provide practical guidance on establishing and managing cover crops. Liz Ripley, conservation and cover crop outreach specialist with Iowa Learning Farms, notes that cover crops offer multiple benefits, including reduced soil erosion, weed suppression, lower nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, and increased soil organic matter. Cover crops can also supply quality grazing for livestock and additional feed without expanding pastureland.
Green County Farms, operated by Alec Amundson and Adam Norby, has been experimenting with cover crops since 2012. They integrate no-till corn, soybeans, and small grains, and use cover crop mixtures after rye harvest to provide grazing for cattle while improving soil and water quality.
Russ Euken, beef and swine field specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will share research and best practices for grazing summer and annual forage crops. Weather permitting, attendees can tour nearby cover crop fields to see the techniques in practice.
Reservations are required to ensure adequate space and meals. Interested participants should RSVP by November 6 to Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu. Attendees will also be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.
The event is supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and showcases practical, research-based solutions for farmers and landowners. For more information about Iowa Learning Farms and upcoming workshops, visit the Iowa Learning Farms website.
This field day provides a hands-on opportunity to learn how cover crops and grazing practices can enhance soil health, improve forage production, and support sustainable farm management.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Iowa, Education