Ames-Iowa Learning Farms (ILF), in partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (ISUEO), will host a back to the basics cover crop field day and discuss opportunities to add a cover crop following seed corn on Thursday, July 14, from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. at the Tama Civic Center in Tama.

The workshop is free and open to the public, but reservations are suggested to ensure adequate space and food. Contact Liz Juchems at 515-294-5429 or email ilf@iastate.edu.

Tama County producer, John Weber will share his experiences with using cereal rye in his operation. Since 2010, John and his son Brian, have been using a cereal rye cover crop broadcasted with fertilizer in the fall and incorporated using tillage. With the combination of no-till seeded soybeans, the cereal rye is able to protect the soil erosion and hold the nutrients in place.

Also speaking at the field day is Mark Licht, ISUEO cropping systems agronomist. He will share information on cover crop species selections, seeding methods and termination considerations. ISUEO field agronomist Meaghan Anderson will discuss how to develop complementary herbicide plans for adding cover crops to the operation. Liz Juchems, ILF field research and events coordinator, will share results from ongoing cover crop research, including a long term replicated cereal rye project.

For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit the website: www.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/.

Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation, encouraging adoption of conservation practices.

Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable.