Location
Alliant Energy Ag Innovation Lab
3800 University Blvd
Ames, IA 50010
RSVP by March 17: 515-294-8912 or ilf@iastate.edu
Iowa Learning Farms will host a cover crop and plant disease workshop as part of their Beyond the Basics: Advanced Cover Crop Series in Ames on Tuesday, Mar. 24, from 12:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Alliant Energy Agriculture Innovation Lab. The event is open to farmers and landowners at no cost and includes a complimentary meal.
“Cover crops play a critical role in keeping Iowa’s soil and water resources healthy. Though cover crops have many benefits, challenges like plant pathogens and disease can negatively impact the following cash crop,” said Mitch Harting, Water Outreach Specialist with Iowa Learning Farms. “This workshop will help farmers understand pathogen movement between cereal rye and corn, and the best management practices to reduce yield declines.” Attendees will also get insight into how they can implement alternative cover crops on their operation.
The workshop will feature Alison Roberston, Extension Field Crop Pathologist at Iowa State University, sharing about the disease interaction between cereal rye cover crops and the corn that follows. Robertson will also offer a hands-on demonstration allowing attendees to see seedling disease first-hand among different cover crop treatments. The agenda will also include Mark Kenney, a local farmer who will offer insight into managing an oat cover crop as an alternative to rye. Additionally, Ethan Thies, Conservation Field Specialist with Iowa State University, will discuss other alternatives to cereal rye ahead of corn and best management practices to avoid disease when using cover crops.
The field day will be held at the Alliant Energy Agriculture Innovation Lab, 3800 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50010. The event and open to farmers and landowners, though reservations are required to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, please contact Mitch Harting at 515-294-8912 or ilf@iastate.edu by Mar. 17. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.
Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit www.iowalearningfarms.org.