JULY 2019 STEWARDSHIP ADVOCATE UPDATE

MONTHLY UPDATE FROM BEN GLEASON, IOWA CORN SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS MANAGER

Now that the summer heat has relented for a bit, check out the list of events below and attend a field day in your area. It’s a great way to share conservation successes with fellow farmers. We’re looking for farmers who want to share their cover crop experiences to attend a workshop this winter. The latest cover crop research and communications training will be provided.  Email me if you want to get on the invite list.

There are a couple of conservation programs with upcoming deadlines. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is offering cost share for cover crops, no till, strip till, and nitrification inhibitors. Funds are limited so sign up at your local soil and water conservation district office soon. Click here for more information.

Applications are being taken for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) until August 23.  Signup is limited to grassed waterways, filter and buffer strips, and other water quality practices. Click here for more information.

FARMER TO FARMER: MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET

Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Julie Kenney, Denny Friest of Hardin County, and Ralph Lents of Adair County discuss 4R Plus and making conservation work on your farm.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

July 25: Cover Crop Field Day, Sioux Center

July 30: Soil Sessions, Webinar

July 31: Bioreactor Field Day, Baxter

Aug. 3: Bumble Bee Workshop, Toddville

Aug. 6: Soil Health Field Day, Buckingham

Aug. 6: Cover Crop Field Day, Stockport

Aug. 7: 4R Field Day, Olin

Aug. 8: Conservation Field Day, Madrid

Aug. 8: Prairie Lakes Field Day, Spirit Lake

Aug. 14: Cover Crop Field Day, Marion

Aug. 15: Agribusiness Summer Workshop, Ames

Aug. 20-22: Iowa Drainage School, Nashua

Aug. 20-21: Conservation in Action Tour, central Iowa

Aug. 22: Cover Crop Field Day, West Branch

Aug. 26-27: Iowa Corn Grassroots Summit, Altoona

Aug. 27: Cover Crop Field Day, Alvord

Aug. 28: Engineering and Agronomy Field Day, Boone

Aug. 29: Bioreactor and Habitat Field Day, Washington

LATEST INFORMATION:

Addressing Water Quality 

Despite Delays, Monarch Conservation Efforts Continue in Iowa 

Remote Sensing Technology Drives Conservation Solutions

More Producers Are Adopting Cover Crop, No-Till Practices 

Secure Your Cover Crop Seed for Fall 2019 Today! 

Another Summer, Another Run of Toxic Algal Blooms 

Tips for that Farmer, Landlord Conversation 

Soil Saving Farmers Invest in Practices to Improve Water Quality 

USDA Adds Flexibility for Cover Crop Management in Crop Year 2020 

When Do Cover Crops Pay?