Iowa Learning Farms and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are hosting a farmer and landowner workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Tron Scott’s farm near Slater to discuss bioreactors and saturated buffer edge-of-field practices. The free event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal. The Jan. 19 event is in partnership with Heartland Cooperative and Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition.
Saturated buffers and bioreactors have been prioritized by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as they are some of the most cost-effective methods to improve water quality. These practices can be located within existing filter strips and are designed to work with the drainage system of the field.
There are now numerous programs with financial and technical assistance available to encourage farmers and landowners to install these critical practices.
Join to learn more about how these practices work through the demonstration of the Conservation on the Edge trailer. Ruth McCabe, conservation agronomist with Heartland Cooperative, and Keegan Kult, executive director for Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition, will provide information and technical assistance to help decide if they can work on your farmland and discuss possible funding opportunities to assist with installation.
Tron Scott’s farm: 3961 NW 158th Ave., Slater. From Slater, head south on 510th Ave./Linn St. for 1 mile and continue on NW 44th St. for 1 more mile. Turn left to head east on NW 158th Ave. The farm is located on the north side of the road.
The workshops are free and open to farmers and landowners. Space is limited, so reservations are required to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP please contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu. Each attendee will receive a Heartland baseball hat and will be entered in a drawing that evening for several door prizes including an insulated cooler, insulated mug and Iowa State Prairie Strips honey.
Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit www.iowalearningfarms.org.