In the aftermath of the storm that hit Iowa on Aug. 10, it might be tempting to discard your cover crop plans, but now more than ever it will be important to retain nitrogen in your soils for future crops and to suppress volunteer corn.

To investigate if aerial seeding would work in damaged corn, we went out with Tim Couser of Nevada, Iowa, and Bill Frederick of Jefferson, Iowa, to trial the practice.

On Aug. 7, we gathered virtually to hear how Josh Tranel uses small-grain silage in his rotation to grow more forage for his dairy cows.

We're going virtual for our 2021 conference – take our survey to help us plan!

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to sicken Iowans and others at alarming rates, we have decided to hold our 2021 conference virtually. We believe this decision will ensure we can continue to offer high-quality farmer-to-farmer education in a safe and engaging way.

While staff work to plan the high-quality, practical content you've come to expect, we want to hear your interests and preferences for the virtual format. Please complete a short survey to help guide the 2021 virtual conference.

Farmers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin are invited to apply for cost-share on small grains harvested in 2021 and followed by a legume-containing cover crop.

Small grains include barley, oats, rye, triticale or wheat.

A legume cover crop could be under- or co-seeded clover or alfalfa, or a summer-planted cover that includes hairy vetch or field peas.

Michael joined the PFI staff this week as a data analyst. Michael originally hails from the Chicago suburb of Orland Park, Illinois, and has been working at the nexus of science, technology and the environment for close to 20 years.

He enjoys international travel, playing trumpet in a brass band, community gardening, cooperatives of all types and getting his hands dirty in the (worm) compost.

The Savings Incentive Program was created to help beginning farmers establish viable, sustainable farm businesses.

The program was structured with input from beginning farmers and direction from established farmers. This year, we have changed the eligibility requirements. See if you qualify!

In 2018, Practical Farmers of Iowa and university researchers from across the upper Midwest secured a grant to build a tool that will help farmers choose varieties of oats and winter wheat for their farms.

To strengthen the efficacy of this selector tool, we’re looking for farmers in Illinois, Indiana, southern Wisconsin or southern Michigan to plant a soft red winter wheat variety trial this fall.

Hellman’s is partnering with Practical Farmers of Iowa to support local restaurants who will feed your clean-up crew so you can get back to work faster. To participate, email Sarah Carlson at sarah@practicalfarmers.org and we will figure out the logistics for you.

With this automated system, you'll get updates delivered straight to your inbox highlighting virtual events occurring that day.

Check out our full slate of 2020 field days. Details and registration are now available.

Missed a virtual field day that you wanted to attend? There are a few ways to watch recordings:

Hosted by: Rob & Tammy Faux

Join us for a Zoom call next Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 7:30 a.m. CDT to learn more about options for managing derecho-damaged crops and prioritizing cover crops, and to share your concerns.

Our purpose is to create a supportive upbeat space for farmers to share and connect during these times of uncertainty. Build your farming network and learn from others who have similar (or different!) farm ventures than you.

Aaron Lehman of Polk City was featured in The New York Times: Reeling From a Storm, Iowans Worry They Have Been Forgotten

Wallace Farms, run by Nick Wallace and family of Keystone, was mentioned in Iowa Press-Citizen: Embrace carbon-neutral grass-fed beef as a first step in our climate journey

Zach Smith of Leland was featured in The Storm Lake Times: Some Agricultural Reason to Hope

Practical Farmers of Iowa was mentioned in an article on Iowa Ag Connection: Fencing and Grazing Clinic: Technology, Tours, Tools

Have you been featured in the media? Tell us when and where to find a link to the article, and we'll feature you in a future issue of Practical News.

Contact: tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org