Cover Crop and CRP Field Day Supports Conservation Practices

By Andi Anderson

Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Rock Creek Watershed and the Mitchell County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), will host a Cover Crop and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Field Day on Thursday, April 2.

The event will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the Carpenter Community Center, offering farmers and landowners an opportunity to learn about conservation practices at no cost.

According to organizers, the field day will focus on sharing best management practices that support healthier soil and stronger conservation outcomes.

Liz Ripley, conservation and cover crop outreach specialist with Iowa Learning Farms, highlighted the value of these practices. “This field day aims to equip attendees with best management practices for establishing and managing cover crops as an in-field conservation practice,” said Ripley. She added, “Cover crops offer many benefits to farmers and landowners, including reduced soil erosion, weed suppression potential, reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies and increased organic matter in the soil. When paired with no-till, additional benefits include increased water infiltration and reduced erosion during heavy rain events.”

The event will also highlight opportunities for landowners to participate in the Conservation Reserve Program. Rock Creek Watershed coordinator Leo Kruse emphasized its importance. “In our watershed, there are also opportunities for producers to participate in the Conservation Reserve Program to establish perennial vegetation, like prairie, to protect the soil from erosion and improve local water quality,” said Kruse. “This field day will include a visit to the Mitchell County SWCD Farm, donated by Ralph and Celia Ramsay, that demonstrates these practices for area farmers.”

The field day will begin with a complimentary meal, followed by presentations from local experts. Milt Owen, assistant commissioner of the Mitchell County SWCD, will recognize the Ramsay family and their efforts to improve soil health and water quality. Mitchell County farmer Will Marrow will share his experiences using cover crops and offer his recommendations for success. Additionally, Brittany Brandau from the Mitchell County Farm Service Agency will discuss CRP sign‑up details and timelines, while Mike Webb from the Mitchell County Natural Resources Conservation Service will explain CRP benefits and effective management strategies.

The event will take place at 508 William Street, Carpenter, and is open to farmers and landowners. Reservations are required to ensure adequate space and meals.

Those needing accommodations or wishing to RSVP should contact Liz Ripley at 515‑294‑5429 or ilf@iastate.edu by March 26. All attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.

Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. More information can be found by visiting Iowa Learning Farms.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling