PFI Field Day: Evaluating a Cover Crop Terminator
Event Details
1814 135th St.
Hampton, Iowa 50441
Contact Name: Practical Farmers of Iowa
Email: info@practicalfarmers.org
Phone: (515) 232-5661
Website: practicalfarmers.org
Event Description
Description:
Doug Alert and Margaret Smith have used cover crops in their organic crop rotation for years. Recently they’ve wondered about alternative ways to terminate cover crops rather than tilling. At this field day, attendees will view the results of using a modified rolling cornstalk chopper to crimp and terminate a cover crop, before both corn and soybeans. Attendees will evaluate this method and weigh in on whether it is worthy of broader adoption. Doug and Margaret will also discuss transitioning to organic production. Following this, participants can travel to another field site to view and discuss first year transition to organic and non-winter hardy cover crops (red clover and crimson clover) in oats.
The Farm:
Doug Alert and Margaret Smith, Ash Grove Farm, raise and market organic feed corn and soybeans; organic seed soybeans; and rye, oats and hay. They also run a cow herd. Their teen’s enterprises are swine, marketed through Niman Ranch, and a flock of Katahdin sheep.
Directions:
From Hampton: Drive 1 1/2 miles east on State Route 3 to Raven Avenue. Head south 1 1/4 miles on Raven Avenue to 135th Street. The farm is 1/10 mile east on 135th Street.
Light refreshments provided.
Sponsored by: Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District, MOSES, and Organic Crop Improvement Association
