Tractor relaying cropping in Iowa

Relay cropping and water quality will be the focus of an event on June 7 in Atkins. (Photo: Joseph Hopper/Iowa Soybean Association).

Paving the way in relay cropping and water quality

June 1, 2023 | Kriss Nelson

Taking the practice of cover crops to the next level and its positive effects on water quality is the focus of an event planned for next week.

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) will host a Paving the Way to Relay Cropping and Water Quality event on June 7 at the Textile TapHaus in Atkins.

“Growers in my area have been raising cover crops and practicing conservation for several years, and they are looking to take the next step,” says Evan Brehm, ISA conservation agronomist.

Attendees will learn more about this advancement in raising cover crops from a network of advisors, farmers and ag professionals.

“Relay cropping has become an interest of Iowa farmers being able to grow a cash crop like soybeans while raising cereal rye,” says Brehm.

A prize raffle will be held, and Andy Petersen, fourth-generation producer and ag broadcaster, will be on-site to broadcast the event.

Event Agenda

Date: June 7, 2023 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Program: Join us to hear from Alex Schaffer, ISA Agronomist, Loran Steinlage, Northeast Iowa Farmer, and Multi-Cropping Iowa about on-farm conservation efforts. Lunch will be provided. RSVP required.

Have more questions or want to RSVP to this event?

To RSVP for the event, contact Julia Edlefson at jedlefson@iasoybeans.com or text/call 815-878-5622; or Brehm at ebrehm@iasoybeans.com or 319-310-5468.

Water quality

The event will emphasize the work ISA has been doing on water quality efforts in the Middle Cedar Watershed.

Mary Beth Stevenson, watershed and source water coordinator for the City of Cedar Rapids, will also speak on the support the city is giving to farmers in the watershed to adopt conservation practices.

Conservation in Action Tour

Brehm encourages guests to visit area conservation practices in the Conservation in Action Tour.

This self-guided tour includes 16 stops with 20 sites featured in a 15-mile round trip tour in western Linn County and eastern Benton County.

The sites showcase a variety of cover crops and conservation practices, including long-term no-till sites.

Snap a photo of a Conservation in Action Tour sign and present it to Textile TapHaus, and they will offer $2 off your first beverage.


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