Events and Activities : Cover crop seeding Sept 10, near Iowa City

A demonstration of aerially seeding a rye cover crop into standing soybeans will be conducted on the Jim Meade farm west of Iowa City on September 10 at 5:00 p.m. Many farmers are starting to consider using fall seeded cover crops in their crop rotations to improve soil quality and reduce soil erosion, according to Jim Fawcett, ISU Extension Field Agronomist. Cover crops can also help to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen losses into streams and so can play a major role in meeting the goals of Iowa’s nutrient reduction strategy, according to Fawcett.

In addition to seeing the seeding of the rye (weather permitting), those attending can hear from local farmers that have had experience in seeding cover crops. One producer who will be sharing his experience is Steve Berger. Berger has been seeding cover crops for over 10 years on his farm near Wellman. There will also be information available from the NRCS on cost share funds available for seeding cover crops. Seed salesmen and aerial applicators will also be attending the event.

The Jim Meade farm is located at 2331 340th St. SW, Tiffin (about a half mile south of I80 and 1.5 miles west of the Tiffin exit). A free meal will be provided by the Johnson County Cattleman’s Association, courtesy of Iowa Farm Bureau. For more information contact Jim Fawcett in the Johnson County Extension Office at 319-337-2145 (fawcett@iastate.edu).