Ditch the presentation, it's time farmers learned from farmers

June 25, 2026 | Kriss Nelson

Farmers looking for practical cover crop ideas won't find a PowerPoint presentation at an Iowa Soybean Association Shop Talk.

Instead, they'll find farmers talking through what has worked, what hasn't and what they're still trying to figure out.

That farmer-to-farmer format is what attendees consistently say makes the events worthwhile.

"I like it," says Nick Hanson, an Estherville farmer who attended a previous Shop Talk this spring. "It's a good chance for guys to collaborate and ask questions. It's a really open format that fosters communication." 

Upcoming shop talks

This summer, the Iowa Soybean Association Research Center for Farming Innovation will host two Shop Talks focused on cover crop management.

The first will be held July 7 at Sean Dolan's farm shop near Winthrop. Check-in opens at 9:30 a.m., and the event runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Sign Me Up For The Shop Talk In Winthrop

Topics include establishment and drilling tips, equipment selection, grazing livestock on cover crops, seasonal management and termination strategies. Learn how to manage cover crops based on your goals — from holding soil and retaining nutrients to maximizing ROI.

The second Shop Talk will take place July 21 at Amana Farm Shops in Homestead.Ross McCaw and Amana Farms will host the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Check-in opens at 9:30 a.m.

Sign Me Up For The Shop Talk In Homestead

Discussion topics will include seeding methods, stand establishment, equipment considerations, livestock grazing, in-season management and termination approaches. Hear practical experiences from the field, connect with fellow farmers and pick up strategies to support your cover crop goals.

Farmer-led learning

Unlike traditional meetings, the conversation is driven by farmers.

"A PowerPoint-style meeting doesn't always create the best environment to ask questions," Hanson says. "This format makes it easier to have real conversations."

Previous Shop Talks have covered everything from cover crop termination timing and weed suppression to strip-till systems, small grains, livestock integration and managing input costs.

Last winter at a Shop Talk near Nora Springs, farmers openly discussed both successes and mistakes.

Others discussed the economics behind conservation decisions, sharing how crop rotations, livestock and cover crops fit into their operations.

For many attendees, the biggest value isn't finding a single answer. It's hearing how different farmers approach similar challenges.

Matt Reed, who attended the Nora Springs event, said the format gave him an opportunity to explore new ideas without feeling pressured.

"I'm just looking for different ways to do things," Reed says. "I haven't really been around a lot of these conservation practices. I don't know if all of it will ultimately be the solution for our operation, but you've got to learn about the alternatives."

That willingness to share experiences is a recurring theme at Shop Talks.

"The Shop Talks are an excellent way to get farmers together," says Spencer farmer and former ISA District 1 Director Chuck White. "It's a good way to educate farmers and get them sitting one-on-one with each other to find out what we're doing to improve our farms."

White says the conversations are especially valuable as farmers face increasing pressure to improve efficiency and profitability.

"We all think we're doing it the right way on our own farms," White says. "But I'm always looking at how to do it better."

That mindset is exactly what organizers hope farmers bring to Winthrop and Homestead this summer. Shop Talk offers an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and learn from farmers who have already tried it.

As Hanson puts it, one of the biggest benefits is “having someone you can call and ask questions." 

Reserve your spot now

Please register by Friday, July 3. If you have any questions, contact Julia Brenizer at jbrenizer@iasoybeans.com or 815-878-5622.

Written by Kriss Nelson.

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