Washington County cover crops, water quality field day

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 Tuesday, April 9 from 5-7 p.m. at Rob Stout's farm near Washington. The event is free, open to the whole family and includes a complimentary meal.

Rob Stout, Washington County farmer, will share more than 10 years of experience using cover crops and tips for successfully adding them to an operation. Liz Juchems, Iowa Learning Farms conservation outreach specialist, will discuss results from cover crop projects examining species selection, water quality implications and soil health indicators such as earthworms.

Jason Steele, NRCS soil scientist, will discuss 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, will share opportunities for financial assistance for cover crops and other conservation practices. The field day will wrap up with Matt McAndrew and Paul Brandt, MB Water representatives, providing a water quality demonstration and updates on their local water quality project.

The event will be held at Rob Stout's farm, 2449 Hemlock Avenue, Washington, Iowa. From Washington, head west on 250th St/County Rd G38 for 5 miles. Turn north on Hemlock Avenue for 0.6 miles; the farm is located on the west side of the road. The event is free and open to the whole family, but reservations are suggested to ensure adequate space and food. Please RSVP to Liz Juchems at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu.

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.