Business : Iowa Learning Farms to host cover crops field day

Iowa Learning Farms, along with the Union Grove Lake Watershed Project 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 and Melissa Sienknecht 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 Sienknecht 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 baling 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. If you need accommodations, please notify Melody Bro by May 30 by calling 641/484-2702, extension 120. 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/. 219A Davidson Hall Ames, Iowa 50011-1010 515-294-8912 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. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms are the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service and Iowa Department of Natural Resources (USEPA section 319), Conservation Districts of Iowa, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Water Center and Practical Farmers of Iowa. Click to view flyer