(Atlantic, IA) – A local man who has been farming since the age of 14, is hosting a Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) Field Day on Monday, June 1st, from 3-until 5-p.m. Alan Zellmer runs Zellmer Farms’ “A to Z Feeders,” at 56393 Highland Road, west of Atlantic. He currently manages 2,300 acres of row crops and 800 acres of pasture, along with 850 head of cattle located at different farms. He works in conjunction with PFI to make sure the nitrogen equation is the right one for his crops.
During Monday’s field day, you’ll see how Zellmer uses soil testing to inform his nutrient program for the pastures and crop fields.
He and his large family run a diversified farming operation which provide a variety of revenue options, that goes “Outside the box” of traditional farming concepts.
That includes using cereal rye-grass as a cover crop to control weeds, and for later use as cattle feed.
Producers can learn more about ways to keep their pastures healthy through lowering nitrogen inputs and the seamless integration of those methods into modern farming practices.
The PFI Field Day is free and open to the public. The reserve your spot, you can visit the PFI event page, or by calling 515-232-5661. More information and a link to making a reservation is available at https://practicalfarmers.org/events/field-days/managing-manure-and-livestock-to-reduce-row-crop-inputs-ryelage-demo/
