Area farmers to share their experiences

People don?t sit on their front porches as much as they used to, but the conversations that can happen in that setting, casual and reflective and between neighbors, are just as important today. And when it comes to water quality and river health in Iowa we could use a few more porches to sit on.

Join farmer Steve Berger and farmer/soil scientist Francis Thicke in Kalona on the evening of May 16th for a discussion and community forum on cover crops, crop yields, reducing nutrient runoff, and Iowa?s Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS). There won?t be on a front porch, but there will be some lemonade.

Steve Berger has a 2,200-acre farm near Wellman in Washington County and has learned many lessons regarding cover crops and no-till. In 2007 he planted over 1,000 acres of rye. He also has a hog finishing operation. Berger credits his father, who started no-tilling 30 years ago, with the beginning of their farm?s conservation effort. Berger has a passion for conservation. ?I?m really against mandates, says Berger, ?I think the best solution is to try to get it done ourselves. I feel the most successful when a neighbor calls me up and says, ?Things look good; what are you doing?? Berger will talk about what he?s tried that works and what didn?t work; what works in wet years, in dry years, and how his soil has benefited.

Berger will be joined by Southeast Iowa farmer and soil scientist Francis Thicke, PhD, owner of Radiance Dairy Farm near Fairfield, Iowa, an 80-cow, certified organic dairy. Thicke has been a farmer for over 30 years, is a member of the National Organic Standards Board, and, previously, served as a National Program Leader for Soil Science at the USDA Extension Service. Thicke has worked extensively in water quality and sustainable agriculture programs. He was named the 2012 Farmer of the Year by the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service. Thicke will present a brief overview of Iowa?s Nutrient Reduction Strategy with a focus on parts of it that are often misunderstood.

This is a public event, free of charge. Farmers and community members from all backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Lemonade served. Audience questions and participation encouraged. Event starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Kalona Public Library.

This is sponsored by Sierra Club of Southeast Iowa and Sierra Club of Iowa City.