Pasture day teaches about cover crops


Marty Burlage (right, back turned) shows the rye field he is combining for seed, and talks about his experience with cover crops over the years. (Photo submitted)
CONSERVATION CONVERSATION
By: 
Stacey Weets
Student Intern, Jones SWCD

     Nearly 70 people attended a field day on the Economics of Cover Crops and Pasture Walk in the Temple Hill area of Jones County on July 10 to learn more about cover crops and pasture management.

     The Jones Soil and Water Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach hosted the event, which included visits to Nathan Manternach’s pasture in the morning and a couple of cover crop fields in the afternoon.

     At lunch, NRCS Agricultural Economist Alan Lauver talked about the online cover crop decision tool and gave some insight on the long-term benefits from cover crops. Also Jeff Matthias, NRCS grassland specialist and Denise Schwab, ISU Extension Beef Program specialist, shared their knowledge on grazing cover crops and rotational grazing techniques. While touring the fields, Dustin Paulsen and Dan Welter from Welter Seed and Honey Co., Onslow, discussed some seed options and passed around seed samples. The group visited Marty Burlage’s rye field that will be harvested for seed for his cover crop seeding this fall. At the Dave McLees farm, participants saw the effects a cover crop of rye had on reducing erosion and maintaining soil organic matter.

     Overall it was a great day for farmers and agency partners to get a chance to discuss different management practices, costs, benefits and any concerns that come with implementing cover crops.

     For more info on soil and water conservation, stop by our office in the USDA Service Center at 300 Chamber Drive in Anamosa, visit us at www.jonesswcd.org, or give us a call at 319-462-3196, ext. 3.

 

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