Iowa Windbreak School Offers Hands-on Learning for Farmers

By Andi Anderson

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a hands‑on Windbreak School on Wednesday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm near Crawfordsville, with participant check‑in beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The goal of the workshop is to help farmers, rural landowners and natural resource professionals learn how to design, install, maintain and renovate windbreaks that support long‑term land health.

Windbreaks are an important part of many farms, and they offer several helpful benefits. According to Billy Beck, extension forestry specialist and assistant professor at Iowa State, “Windbreaks and shelterbelts act as critical farm infrastructure. They provide energy savings, livestock growth gains, timber and non-timber forest products, wildlife habitat, odor and dust control, aesthetics, privacy and mental health benefits.” Beck added that many windbreaks in Iowa are aging and not performing well because of storm damage, insects, disease and general decline.

During the workshop, participants will learn about proper windbreak planning and design. Topics will include choosing tree and shrub species, preparing planting sites, understanding local soil and weather conditions, and managing tree health.

The session will also cover pollinator support and disease prevention. Because the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm is building a new windbreak, attendees will be able to watch a live demonstration on how to correctly plant and establish one.

Speakers will include specialists from ISU Extension and Outreach, the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic, Iowa Department of Natural Resources district foresters and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Those interested in attending must pre‑register online by April 3. The registration fee is $30, which includes lunch, refreshments and course materials. Payments must be made to ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County by April 5, either by cash or check.

Anyone seeking more information can contact the Washington County Extension Office at 319‑653‑4811 or email Holly Beinhart at hollyb1@iastate.edu.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university