Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Madison and Warren County and Conservation Learning Group, will host “Conservation on Tap,” Thursday, November 9 from 6-7 p.m. at Middlebrook Mercantile in Cumming.

The event will provide local farmers, landowners and urban residents with a chance to discuss and ask questions about conservation practices aimed to improve water quality and soil health, as well as managing risk from weather variability and climate change. There will be an opportunity for networking following the event. To ensure adequate space and food, please RSVP by calling 515-294-5429 or email ilf@iastate.edu.

“Our intent with this event is to help build community through encouraging farmers, landowners, and urban residents to talk about topics important within the community, what keeps them up at night, what challenges they see with conservation practices, and what they want to learn more about,” said Liz Ripley, Iowa Learning Farms conservation and cover crop outreach specialist. “There will be no formal presentations or agenda, just a chance to talk, ask questions, listen and learn while enjoying a beverage and provided food. We are looking forward to learning alongside everyone else who attends.”

ISU hosts at the event will include Matt Helmers, Iowa Nutrient Research Center director, and Liz Ripley, ILF conservation and cover crop outreach specialist. Tim Portzen and Mosa Shayan from Middlebrook Farm will also join in the conversation as to why water quality matters for their operation.