Location:
Sts. Peter & Paul Clear Creek Heritage Association
30832 242nd Street
Harper, Iowa 52231
RSVP: ilf@iastate.edu or 515-294-5429
Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Keokuk and Washington County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, will host a cover crop and no-till field day field day near Harper on Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Clear Creek Heritage Association. The no-cost event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.
“This 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,” said Liz Ripley, conservation and cover crop outreach specialist. with Iowa Learning Farms. “When paired with no-till, additional benefits include increased water infiltration and reduced erosion during heavy rain events.”
The field day will feature a local farmer panel that includes grain and livestock producers. Each will share how they have incorporated cover crops and no-till into their operations, lessons learned and recommendations for those looking to make the transition. Eric Adam, Keokuk County Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist, and Ashley Robertson, West Fork Crooked Creek Watershed Coordinator, will discuss ways to get involved and share updates on cost-share and programs available. The field day will also feature a demonstration of the NRCS rainfall simulator. Weather permitting, a tour of a nearby cover crop field will conclude the field day.
The field day will be held at Sts. Peter & Paul Clear Creek Heritage Association, 30832 242nd Street, Harper, IA 52231. The no-cost event and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, please contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu by Nov. 17. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey and custom roasted coffee.
Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.