Ames, Iowa – The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place July 22, at noon CDT will feature Shelby Gruss, assistant professor and forage extension specialist, Iowa State University (ISU), in an interview segment hosted by ISU professor Matthew Helmers. Gruss’ research and extension efforts focus on optimizing forage-based systems through strategies to enhance resilience and productivity in annual and perennial forage through different management strategies. Her current research projects focus on diversification, whether it be in rotation with cover crops, intercropping for forage establishment, or utilizing different species to help break disease cycles.

In the webinar, “Beyond the Basics: Advanced Cover Crop Series – A Chat with Shelby Gruss,” Gruss and Helmers, will engage in a live face-to-face discussion about the establishment and ongoing benefits of forage systems as a part of cover crop strategies. They will explore how cover crops can do double duty as a forage source by providing producers viable options for harvest or grazing to produce value beyond the traditional cover crop soil health benefits. They will dig into practical considerations that include cover crop species selection, timing, and management. In addition, they will share insights and best practices for forage production that include what producers should know about nutritional quality and grazing/haying logistics. Gruss and Helmers will also address questions from the webinar audience during the session.

"With tight margins and unpredictable weather, producers are looking for every opportunity to get more value out of their acres, and using cover crops as forage is one way to build soil health and add feed value at the same time,” said Gruss. “I am looking forward to providing practical information and answering questions about this combination of practices. I hope that participants in this webinar will leave with a clear, practical understanding of how to fit cover crops for forage into their own operation, and a strong grasp on the management decisions that make it work."

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

Don't miss this webinar!

DATE: Wednesday, July 22, 2026,

TIME: Noon CDT

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

Shortly before noon CDT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xtAwWXycQZW8iwtNLz34GA#/registration

Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter webinar ID: 999 3709 5398

Or, join via phone:

    Dial: 646-876-9923

    Webinar ID: 999 3709 5398

 The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.

ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

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