Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Consortium for Cultivating Human And Naturally reGenerative Enterprises (C-CHANGE), will host cover crop workshops on Feb. 1, 14, 21 and 22 from noon to 2 p.m each day. Farmers and landowners are welcome to attend the free events, which include a complimentary meal.Cover crops offer many benefits to farmers and landowners, including reduced soil erosion, weed suppression potential, reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies, increased organic matter in the soil and forage potential for livestock. When paired with no-tillage or strip-tillage, additional benefits include increased water infiltration to further reduce erosion during heavy rain events. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about these opportunities, ask questions and share their experiences.
Photo courtesy of Iowa Learning Farms
The discussion will be facilitated by Jacqueline Comito,
Iowa Learning Farms program director; Matt Helmers, Iowa Nutrient Research Center director; Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; and Liz Ripley, Iowa Learning Farms conservation and cover crop outreach specialist.Wednesday, Feb. 1, noon to 2 p.m.
Bridge View Center120 Church Street, OttumwaCatering by Bridge View CenterTuesday, Feb. 14, noon to 2 p.m.
ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Office – Basement Room400 Central Ave. NW, Suite 700, Orange CityCatering by Nederlander’s GrillTuesday, Feb. 21, noon to 2 p.m.
Walnut Community Center - Community Room415 Antique City Drive, WalnutCatering by Karol Calabro of a bit of IOWAWednesday, Feb. 22, noon to 2 p.m.
West Union Event Center10201 Harding Road, West UnionCatering by West Union Event CenterThe events are free and open to farmers and landowners, though reservations are required to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu. Attendees will be entered in a drawing that evening for Iowa State University Prairie Strips honey.
The National No-Tillage Conference returns January 12-15, 2027!Build and refine your no-till system with dozens of new ideas and connections at the 35th Annual National No-Tillage Conference in Indianapolis, Jan. 12-15, 2027. Experience an energizing 4-day agenda featuring inspiring general session speakers, expert-led No-Till Classrooms and collaborative No-Till Roundtables. Plus, Certified Crop Adviser credits will be offered.
I'm in Yakima, Washington this week at FIRA USA where there's always lots of great ag technology on display. Why don't we go take a look at the newest edition of the Aigen robot. We'll hear from Kenny Lee, the CEO of Aigen.