AGRICULTURE: Cover crops, water quality field day set April 9 near Washington

AMES -- Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and National Wildlife Foundation, will host a cover crops and water quality field day 5-7 p.m. April 9 at Rob Stout's farm near Washington.

The event is free, open to the whole family and includes a complimentary meal.

Cover crops are gaining popularity among farmers and landowners thanks to the many benefits that can be achieved. These include reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies improving water quality, increased soil organic matter, improved soil health, reduced soil erosion and expanded grazing and forage acres.

The field day agenda will include: Stout sharing his 10-plus years of experience with cover crops and tips for successfully adding them to an operation; Liz Juchems, Iowa Learning Farms conservation outreach specialist, with results from cover crop projects examining species selection, water quality implications, and soil health indicators such as earthworms; Jason Steele, NRCS soil scientist, discussing the importance of healthy soil and how practices like cover crops and no-till can help reduce soil erosion and improve overall soil health; Tony Maxwell, Washington County NRCS district conservationist, sharing opportunities for financial assistance for cover crops and other conservation practices; and Matt McAndrew and Paul Brandt with MB Water providing a water quality demonstration and updates on their local water quality project.

Stout's farm is at 2449 Hemlock Ave., Washington.

The event is free and open to the whole family, but reservations are suggested to ensure adequate space and food. Register with Liz Juchems at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu.

For additional information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit www.iowalearningfarms.org.