KDSN RADIO News
Cover Crop and Precision Planting Field Day to be held near Woodbine May 30
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(Photo: Field day host Brandon McHugh will share how he is using cover crops, no-till and precision planting to benefit soil health, water quality and reduce inputs.)
AMES, Iowa—Iowa Learning Farms will host a cover crop and precision planting field day on Thursday, May 30, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Brandon McHugh’s farm near Woodbine. The free 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. When paired with precision planting and nitrogen management, additional benefits include improved nitrogen use and nitrate loss reductions leading to improved water quality.
For Iowa Learning Farms farmer partner and host Brandon McHugh, farming is much more than an occupation. A deep agricultural heritage has pushed him to utilize conservation practices in hopes of protect the state’s soil and water. With both crops and livestock, Brandon understands the need to create a sustainable future and give back to the land. In an effort to benefit soil health and reduce inputs, Brandon utilizes cover crops and no-tillage as well as precision planting and sub drip irrigation for corn to improve his nitrogen use.
Cass County farmer Brian Fager will share lessons learned using cover crops on his farm and discuss options for precision planter modifications to minimize risks and reduce inputs. The field day will also include a Conservation Station rainfall simulator demonstration.
The field day will be held at the McHugh Farm bin site located just north of 1667 Racine Trail, Woodbine, IA 51579. From Woodbine, head north on Panora Avenue for 1.3 miles. Turn right on Racine Trail for 0.4 miles. The bin site is located on the west side of the road and field day signs will mark the driveway. In the event of rain the field day will be held at 1822 Rockdale Ave, Woodbine, IA 51579.
The event is free 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 May 24. 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.
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