By Andi Anderson
Relay intercropping is a way of growing three crops in two years on the same field, with one crop planted into another before harvest. This method can increase crop diversity, soil health, and profitability for farmers.
Iowa Learning Farms (ILF), in collaboration with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center and Conservation Learning Group, is leading a new project to develop and promote relay intercropping in Iowa. The project aims to understand the agronomic, economic, and social factors that influence the adoption of this practice.
To share the early results and insights from the project, ILF is hosting a free virtual field day on Thursday, March 7 at 1 p.m. CT. You can join the live discussion with Matt Helmers, Mark Licht, Ross Evelsizer, and Alex Schaffer, who are experts in various aspects of relay intercropping.
The virtual field day will also feature on-farm trials conducted by the Iowa Soybean Association, which demonstrate the potential benefits and challenges of relay intercropping soybean into a small grain following corn.
To participate in the virtual field day, you can click this URL: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/98608335082 or visit https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/events-1. You can also join from a dial-in phone line by calling 309-205-3325 or 312-626-6799 and entering the meeting ID: 986 0833 5082.
The virtual field day will be recorded and archived on the ILF website so that you can watch it at any time. You can also apply for a Certified Crop Adviser continuing education unit after the event.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about relay intercropping and how it can help you achieve sustainable intensification on your farm.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Corn, Education