Hear how a systems approach was successful in a farmer’s journey to and through cover crops.

ISA has developed a series of free, online, interactive decision-aid tools to help farmers address the economic dynamics of ag decisions including volatility in prices, input costs, crop productivity, weather, and sustainability in easy-to-use formats.   

ISA’s RCFI team reviews precipitation and temperature patterns across the state for the 2021 growing season and discusses the effect on soybean and corn yields. They will also highlight research regarding late maturity soybeans planted early in the spring, trials and results conduced on biological products, nitrogen timing and management, and how you can get involved through trials on your own farm.  

Water is a primary factor in crop production, and water quality concerns are key issues in Iowa and in the nation. This session will look at a range of water management options to improve both crop production and water quality or provide other values and how water monitoring can inform management.  

How often do you go to a meeting where you are asked to play an economic game and even win a prize? These interactive games were developed as part of a multi-institutional project called “Smart Integrated Farm Network for Rural Agricultural Communities” that explores new ways to create local community-focused independent farmer networks. The project uses various technologies to improve connectivity within and between farms as well as real-time AI sensing to detect insects and diseases within fields to promote increased yield and profitability. The interactive economic games are designed for farmers to gauge their risk perception and desire to share production challenges and personal stories for community-based responses to different crop production and conservation challenges.

Participants paid based on outcome of economic session.

The benefits of soil health promoting systems are well known, but the economics can still be a challenge. This session will discuss both short-term and longer-term ways to capture additional value from no-till and cover crops so that they pay for themselves, including emerging carbon markets.  

Soybean farming, the soybean industry and the global value chain for soybeans and soybean products continue to change at a staggering pace. This session will provide a forum for forward-thinking discussions of how RCFI research, communications and outreach can proactively support Iowa soybean farmers in their efforts to be the most profitable, productive, and sustainable suppliers of soybeans for current and emerging domestic and global markets.

ISA RCFI staff and invited guests will discuss trends in weed resistance across the state as well as the best strategies for managing them and limiting future resistance challenges. Discussions will also provide an update on pest activity and review trial results in efforts to mitigate crop risk. Gall midge, white mold, corn rootworm, and fungicide trials will be highlighted during this session. RCFI staff will also talk through how you can participate in trials.

How often do you go to a meeting where you are asked to play an economic game and even win a prize? These interactive games were developed as part of a multi-institutional project called “Smart Integrated Farm Network for Rural Agricultural Communities” that explores new ways to create local community-focused independent farmer networks. The project uses various technologies to improve connectivity within and between farms as well as real-time AI sensing to detect insects and diseases within fields to promote increased yield and profitability. The interactive economic games are designed for farmers to gauge their risk perception and desire to share production challenges and personal stories for community-based responses to different crop production and conservation challenges.

Participants paid based on outcome of economic session.