Guernsey, IA 52221
USA
Farmer in Rural Guernsey Uses Cover Crops to Keep His Soil in Place
Event Details: The 4-6 p.m. field day will be held at Lucas Bayer’s farm, rural Guernsey.
Poweshiek County farmer Lucas Bayer did not like seeing his soil erode on his land. Seven years ago, he decided to do something about it and began using cover crops to keep the soil in place. A couple years later, he made the transition to all no-tillage for his corn and soybeans to protect the fragile soil. The combination of cover crops and no-tillage is helping improve soil health. Bayer will discuss his experiences using cereal rye, radish, turnips and winter wheat in his operation and share tips for successfully transitioning to no-tillage and incorporating cover crops.
Also speaking at the field day is USDA-Agricultural Research Service plant physiologist Tom Kaspar, who will share results from more than 20 years of cover crop research in Iowa. Especially relevant, he has looked at different cover crop species, seeding techniques, rates and dates, and termination options, as well as soil health, and will discuss best management practices for successfully adding cover corps. Weather permitting, a field tour of nearby cover crop fields will conclude the program.
Click here to learn more about conservation practices improving soil health and water quality.
The field day is free to attend, open to the public and also includes a complimentary meal. As a result, reservations are suggested for space and food. Please RSVP to 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu.
Directions: From I-80 take exit 201 toward Belle Plaine/What Cheer on Highway 21. Go south on IA21/220th St for 1.4 miles. Then, turn left and head east on 430th Ave for 1.1 miles. The farm is located on the south side of the road.
Field day sponsors include Iowa Learning Farms and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Lastly, visit here for more information on Iowa Learning Farms.