In partnership with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Learning Farms announced on Jan. 18 that it will host five upcoming cover crop workshops.
The free educational workshops will take place in Floyd, Linn, Marion, Sioux and Hardin counties. Farmers and landowners will be able to ask agricultural professionals for insight on everything from seed planting to soil erosion.
“These workshops will allow participants to discuss topics of importance with peers,” said Matt Helmers, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering. “In doing so, the educational program can be tailored to the needs of the audience. As an Extension Specialist my time is my clients' and this allows us to make sure we are addressing questions clients and stakeholders have.”
Cover crops continue to grow in popularity across Iowa, and they were widely established by farmers in the state this past fall. Iowa Learning Farms notes that cover crops can protect soil during heavy rains and other factors that can impact yields.
Matt Helmers will lead the workshops along with Mark Licht, assistant professor of agronomy. They are encouraging participants to ask questions and express concerns regarding topics, such as cover crop seed selection, planter settings, and herbicides.
For more information on where the workshops are being held throughout Iowa, visit www.IowaLearningFarms.org. Although the workshops are free, registration is recommended.