Iowa Learning Farms will host a cover crop and grazing field day Tuesday, November 14 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Jarad Weber’s farm near Argyle. The free event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.

The field day aims to equip attendees with best management practices for establishing and managing cover crops. 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. In addition, cover crops add a feed source for livestock operations in the fall and spring.

The field day will feature Iowa Learning Farms farmer partner Jarad Weber sharing his experience with growing cover crops and grazing cattle in the fall on cover crops. Patrick Wall, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will focus on cover crops as a grazing source. J.D. Hollingsworth and Jason Steele, NRCS, will discuss establishing cover crops and soil health benefits. Additionally, T.J. Mathis and LeAnn Winters, NRCS, will share financial assistance available for cover crops and other livestock related practices.

The field day will be held at the Weber Farm in a heated shop, 1983 275th St., Argyle, IA 52619. From HWY 218, travel 1 mile west on 275th Street. The farm is on the north side of the road.

The event is free and open to farmers and landowners, though reservations are required to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP please contact Alena Whitaker at 515-294-2473 or ilf@iastsate.edu. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey!