Location
Swanson Farm
24376 Highway 78
Ollie, IA 52576
RSVP: 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu
Iowa Learning Farms will host a cover crop and no-till field day near Ollie on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Scott Swanson’s farm. The event is open to farmers and landowners at no cost 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.”
Field day host, Scott Swanson grows corn, soybeans, clover/grass, hay and some small grains near Ollie in Keokuk County. Since he began farming , Scott has used no-till to make his farm sustainable and to enhance the health of his soil and to reduce soil erosion. He has installed contour buffers, waterways, terraces, and field borders as well. Several years ago, he began using cover crops on 300 acres, trying cereal rye, winter wheat, hairy vetch, radish and turnips. His goal for using cover crops to build soil organic matter and erosion control.
“In the long run, these conservation practices don’t cost as much as one might think,” noted Swanson on why he has adopted numerous practices on his farm.
Additionally, the field day will feature Jefferson County farmer J.D. Hollingsworth sharing his experiences with cover crops and no-till and providing a slake test demonstration. Ethan Theis, ISU Extension and Outreach Conservation Field Specialist, sharing best management practices for establishing and managing cover crops as well as cost share opportunities and recent updates from the Midwest Cover Crop Council. Weather permitting, the field day will also feature a field tour of nearby cover crops.
The field day will be held at 24376 Highway 78, Ollie, IA 52576. 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 Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu by Nov. 11. 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.