Northeast Iowa: Innovation to Profit

9:45 a.m. - Registration

10:15 a.m. - Welcome

10:25 a.m. - Do Inputs Increase Profits?

Shane Beck, ISA research agronomist

Alex Schaffer, ISA sr. research agronomist

Not all input costs result in meaningful returns. In review of the 2024 season, we explore on-farm research trials highlighting optional inputs and their effective return on investment with additional focus on the specific growing conditions believed to have led to these results.

11:40 a.m. - Lunch

12:30 p.m. - Financial Opportunities in Conservation

Evan Brehm, ISA conservation agronomist

Cover crops are pushing 4 million acres in Iowa as of 2024. Financial programs have assisted in offsetting costs and it can be confusing on what programs are stackable. This session will present various cost share opportunities for farmers to adopt cover crops and other soil health practices.

1:00 p.m. - Benefits of Edge of Field Practices to Farmers

Brandon Iddings, ISA sr. conservation services manager

Managing the edge of your field can provide many benefits to your farm without sacrificing tillable land. The different edge of field practices, their value, and new opportunities in your area will be discussed along with potential funding and technical assistance options to implement these practices.

1:30 p.m. - Farmer Panel

Hear from the farmers who have implemented the practices discussed throughout today’s program. This will be a question-and-answer forum in which attendees can ask questions to the panel.

2:30 p.m. - Discussion