AMES — Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Consortium for Cultivating Human And Naturally reGenerative Enterprises (C-CHANGE), will host cover crop workshops on Feb. 1, 14, 21 and 22 from 12 to 2 p.m each day.

Farmers and landowners are invited to attend the free event, which includes a complimentary meal.

Cover crops offer many benefits to farmers and landowners, including reduced soil erosion, weed suppression potential, reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies, increased organic matter in the soil and forage potential for livestock. When paired with no-tillage or strip-tillage, additional benefits include increased water infiltration to further reduce erosion during heavy rain events.

Workshop attendees will be able to learn more about these opportunities, ask questions, and share their experiences.

The discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Jacqueline Comito, Iowa Learning Farms program director; Dr. Matt Helmers, Iowa Nutrient Research Center director; and Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping systems specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; and Liz Ripley, Iowa Learning Farms conservation and cover crop outreach specialist.

The dates are as follows:

• Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 12-2 p.m.

Bridge View Center

120 Church St.

Ottumwa, IA 52501

Catering by Bridge View Center

• Tuesday, Feb. 14 | 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Sioux County Extension Office – Basement Room

400 Central Ave NW Suite 700

Orange City, IA 51041

Catering by Nederlander’s Grill

• Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Walnut Community Center — Community Room

415 Antique City Drive

Walnut, IA 51577

Catering by Karol Calabro of a bit of IOWA

• Wednesday, Feb. 22 | 12:00-2:00 p.m

West Union Event Center

10201 Harding Road

West Union, IA 52175

Catering by West Union Event Center

The events are free, but reservations are required to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu. Attendees will be entered in a drawing that evening for ISU Prairie Strips honey.