By Andi Anderson
The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University will host two field days in August to share the latest findings in pasture renovation.
These events are part of a three-year research project studying the effects of interseeding piper sudangrass into heavily used calving paddocks to improve forage yield, pasture quality, and soil health.
This innovative project is funded by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s State Soil Conservation and Water Quality Committee.
Researchers selected three farms across Iowa to plant sudangrass into existing perennial pastures. Now in the final year, they are analyzing data on forage production, nutritional value, and soil impact to help producers evaluate the return on investment.
The first field day will be held Tuesday, August 5, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Dave Schwarte farm, 1505 2200th Street in Defiance.
Attendees will visit demonstration plots and hear discussions on choosing the best annual forages, USDA EQUIP programs, and converting retired CRP land back into productive pasture. A light meal will be served by the Shelby County Cattlemen.
The second event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Amana Farms, located just northeast of East Amana along 220th Trail. This field day will focus on fall pasture planning and showcase another sudangrass demonstration plot. Light refreshments will be provided.
Both events are free and supported by ISU Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Beef Center, IDALS, and the Iowa Forage and Grassland Council. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Note that there are no restroom facilities at the field locations.
These field days offer producers an excellent opportunity to explore practical pasture renovation strategies and gather firsthand knowledge to improve their own grazing systems.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-minchen-liang-eyeem
Categories: Iowa, Education