Mt. Pleasant Hosts Cover Crop and Soil Health Workshop

By Andi Anderson

A cover crop and soil health workshop will be held in Mt. Pleasant on February 19 offering farmers and landowners an opportunity to learn practical strategies for improving soil health and conservation.

The event will run from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm and is open to participants at no cost with a complimentary meal provided.

The workshop is hosted by Iowa Learning Farms in partnership with the Lower Skunk River Water Quality Initiative Project and Pathfinders Resource Conservation and Development.

The goal of the event is to equip attendees with best management practices for establishing and managing cover crops successfully.

“Cover crops offer many benefits to farmers and landowners, including reduced soil erosion, weed suppression potential, reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies and increased organic matter in the soil,” said Liz Ripley, conservation and cover crop outreach specialist with Iowa Learning Farms. “When paired with no-till, additional benefits include increased water infiltration and reduced erosion during heavy rain events.”

A farmer panel featuring local cover crop users will be a key part of the program. These farmers will share real world experiences and recommendations on how to get started with cover crops and how to stay committed to using them over time.

Learning directly from peers helps growers better understand how conservation practices fit into everyday farming operations.

The agenda also includes presentations from Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service soil health specialist J. D. Hollingsworth and area resource soil scientist Jason Steele.

They will discuss their experiences with cover crops and no till systems and explain how these practices influence soil structure water movement and long-term productivity. Ripley will also present research-based management tips drawn from farm studies conducted across Iowa.

The workshop will take place at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Henry County office located at 127 North Main Street in Mt. Pleasant.

Reservations are required to ensure adequate space and food. Interested participants should RSVP by February 12. Attendees will also be entered into a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.

Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. These events continue to provide farmers with trusted information that supports soil health, water quality and long-term farm sustainability.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski