SUTHERLAND – Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Iowa Cover Crop Working Group, will host a cover crop workshop on from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Iowa State University Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm, 6320 500th St., in Sutherland.

The event is free , and includes a complimentary meal.

Preregistration is requested to ensure adequate space and food. Contact Liz Juchems at (515) 294-5429 or email ilf@iastate.edu.

Cover crops continue to grow in popularity in Iowa due to the benefits they provide including reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies, increased soil organic matter, and reduced soil erosion.

Fall 2015 was a good season for cover crop establishment and growth, with adequate moisture and growing temperatures. Great fall growth helped protect the soil during the heavy rain events, but could present challenges this spring if farmers are not prepared with a termination plan and equipment adjustments.

To help producers prepare for spring management Carl Pederson, an Iowa State University agricultural and biosystems engineer, will share his experiences managing cover crops on both large and small scale trial plots around the state.

Meghan Filbert, PFI’s livestock coordinator, will discuss cover crop variety trial results and species selection.

Joel DeJong, an ISU Extension field agronomist, will cover herbicide recommendations for termination and establishment and lead a discussion among attendees to answer questions from new and experienced cover crop users.