Iowa State University Extension announced that Iowa Learning Farms and farmer partner Mark Thompson will host a strip-tillage and cover crop field day Thursday, July 28. The 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. field day near Badger is free and open to the public. It includes a complimentary lunch.

Attendees will hear from Thompson about his farming practices and receive advice on how to effectively strip-till and manage cover crops. Thompson first started using cover crops as a preventive planting measure in 2013. He expanded his acres of cover crop to 700 in fall of 2015 with plans to seed over 900 acres this year.

Also speaking at the field day is Matt Helmers, professor and extension specialist in ag and biosystems engineering at Iowa State University. He will highlight practices and ongoing research efforts to meet the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Mark Hanna, extension agricultural engineer, will share tips on adjusting planter settings for strip-till and no-till systems as well as equipment considerations for strip-tillage systems.

The field day will be held at 2697 Penn Avenue, Badger, Iowa. From Humboldt, head east on IA-3. Turn right to head south on Co Hwy P56 for 1 mile. Follow the curve and after 1/2 mile turn right (south) on Lone Tree Road (P56) for 2 miles. Turn left (east) on 250th St (C48) for 1.6 miles and take the first right to head south on Penn Ave (P59) for 2 miles. Destination will be on the west side of the road with a large tent.

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.