By Andi Anderson
The North Central Iowa Research Association is preparing for its annual meeting and educational forum on Wednesday, March 25, at the Northern Research Farm in Kanawha.
This event welcomes members, farmers and agricultural business professionals who want to learn about the latest research, market trends and helpful resources for the coming growing season.
The Northern Research Farm is operated in partnership with Iowa State University. Together, the association and the university support agricultural progress by offering research trials, field demonstrations and educational opportunities for Iowa farmers.
The annual meeting serves as a key platform to share new information, ongoing projects, and practical solutions that benefit crop and soil management.
This year’s meeting will include several expert-led sessions. Chad Hart, professor of economics and extension grain markets specialist at Iowa State, will present an ag market outlook, helping farmers understand current trends and economic conditions.
Another session will focus on fertilizer decision-making using the N-FACT tool, led by Sotirios Archontoulis, professor of integrated cropping systems, and Melissa Miller from the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative.
Attendees will also learn about cover crops and edge-of-field practices from Sean McCoy of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
David Brown, behavioral health state specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, will discuss mental health resources available to rural Iowans.
The meeting will also feature updates from research leaders. Matt Schnabel, research farm superintendent, and Tim Goode, director of ISU Research and Demonstration Farms, will review the year’s activities and provide a broader look at Iowa State’s outlying research farms.
Greg Guenther, president of the North Central Iowa Research Association, will share updates on the association’s capital campaign and facility improvements before conducting the formal annual meeting.
Membership in the association is available for $25 for three years, with payments accepted by mail or at the event. The meeting begins with registration and refreshments at 8:30 a.m., followed by the program at 9 a.m.
The event is open to the public at no cost, and lunch will be provided. Participants are encouraged to pre-register by March 23 to help with food planning.
Certified Crop Advisers in attendance can earn three continuing education credits in crop management, nutrient management, and soil and water categories.
The association also acknowledges the support of its sponsors: First Citizens National Bank, Gold-Eagle Cooperative, and Calcium Products.
For more information, individuals may contact Angie Rieck-Hinz at amrieck@iastate.edu.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Iowa, General