AGRICULTURE: Young Farmers meeting Wednesday in Ottumwa

OTTUMWA - Wapello County Extension and Outreach will be hosting a Young Farmer meeting 6:30-8 p.m. March 27 at the Wapello County Extension and Outreach office in Ottumwa.

The featured speaker will be David Otte from Green Valley Seeds in Kahoka, Missouri. A seasoned producer and grazer himself, Otte serves as forage manager for Green Valley. Whether it be for the functions of diversifying crop and income risks, harvesting, grazing or cover cropping, Otte has experience with various small grains and forage or cover crops that fit the local region.

Joshua Michel, extension field agronomist, also will be on hand for the discussion.

Young farmers are diverse in their farming operations which can include livestock and lower quality farmland. Incorporating small grains as an additional revenue stream can be a fit for these operations. There are many benefits to forages on the land whether annual or perennials and many standby and new varieties exist. Double-cropping can even be an option. With spring seeding time on the horizon, now is the time to consider modifying plans or lay the groundwork a fall cover crop. With diverse farming goals, the discussions will approach many considerations.

The meeting is open to all farmers from the area. There is no charge for the event.

For more information, contact Colin Johnson at 515-291-9287 or colinj@iastate.edu.