Business : Iowa Learning Farms to host cover crops field day in Tama County

Iowa Learning Farms, along with the Union Grove Lake Watershed Group and the Tama Soil and Water Conservation District, will host a “Cover Crops for Forage and Grazing” field day on Thursday, June 5, at the farm of Randy Seinknecht in Gladbrook, Iowa from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will focus on providing information on using cover crops, a water and soil conservation method, as material for grazing and forage. The event is free of charge and open to the public, and a lunch will be provided.

Attendees will hear host farmer Randy Seinknecht and Marshall County farmer Wade Dooley, who will discuss the use of a winter cereal rye as a cover crop for grazing. Both farmers are also bailing the crop to use as forage. ISU Extension beef specialist Denise Schwab will also speak, providing information on the potential of this conservation method.

In addition to these speakers, the Conservation Station will be present. The Conservation Station features a rainfall simulator that shows the effects that different surfaces from agricultural and urban environments have on the displacement of rainwater.

If you plan on attending, please RSVP by calling 641-484-2702, ext. 120 by June 2.

The event site is located at 2262 C Ave, Gladbrook. From Garwin, go west on T47 for 2 miles. Turn north (right) onto C Ave; go north for 1.5 miles. The farmstead is on the left side of the road. From Gladbrook, go south on T47 for 4 miles. Turn west (right) onto 220th St; go west for 1 mile, turn south (left) onto C Ave.; go south ½ mile. The farm will be on the right.

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