By Blake Jackson
A free field day focused on cover crops and forage management is set for May 7 at the Marshfield Agricultural Research Station, hosted by UW-Madison Extension.
Running from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the event will offer farmers, agronomists, conservation professionals, and crop advisers an opportunity to explore practical strategies for improving crop resilience in northern Wisconsin conditions. Light refreshments will be provided by the EPPIC farmer-led watershed group.
The program begins with a welcome session and wagon tours, followed by an introduction to the Eau Pleine Partnership for Integrated Conservation and local watershed initiatives.
Early discussions will highlight winter rye management after corn silage, including comparisons of fall and spring manure applications and their impact on crop performance.
Participants will then visit demonstration plots showcasing ongoing cover crop research, including a USDA-supported clover breeding project.
Experts will also present findings from the Wisconsin Cover Crop Data Network and share insights into species such as berseem clover.
The final portion of the field day will focus on alfalfa, with guidance on assessing winter injury and making renovation decisions for the upcoming season.
Attendees will also hear an update on hay market trends to better inform marketing strategies.
This hands-on event aims to provide valuable, research-based knowledge to support informed decision-making on the farm.
For registration, visit https://cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/cover-crop-forage-field-day-may-7-in-marshfield/.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Hay & Forage, Education