Ames, Iowa – The sustainable vegetable production lab in collaboration with researchers at Iowa State University, USDA-National Laboratory for Agriculture and Environment and USDA-SARE are teaming up to offer three cover crop workshops this fall at the following locations:

September 27 (Friday) – Armstrong Research Station, Lewis, IA

October 4 (Friday) – Horticulture Research Station, Ames, IA

October 11 (Friday) – Muscatine Island Research Station, Fruitland, IA

Funding for these workshops is provided by USDA-SARE Professional Development Grant Program. Workshops are geared towards commercial horticulture field extension specialists, county extension horticulturists, regional food systems working group members, local food organizations, IFVGA & PFI board members, and IDALS & NRCS personnel. Fruit and vegetable growers interested in learning about cover crops are also welcome. This workshop is co-sponsored by The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

Participants attending the workshops will learn about cover crop types, planting, management, benefits, and issues associated with cover cropping in fruit and vegetable cropping systems. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will conclude by 3:15 p.m. A noon meal will be served. Depending on weather, there will be an opportunity to assess cover crops under field conditions. Live cover crop plants will also be on display inside.

Registration is free but required for arranging lunch. To register, please contact Leann Plowman-Tibken (leann@iastate.edu; 712-769-2600). You may also contact Leann for more information on speakers and topics or check out our website at wallacefdn.org.

(Press Release)