(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / Joclyn Bushman)
Innovation to Profit field days under way in August
July 11, 2024 | Jeff Hutton
A chance to explore research and conservation trials is part of the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) Innovation to Profit (I2P) Summer Series, continuing in early August at two locations – Oskaloosa and Farmersburg.
Oskaloosa Event
On Thursday, Aug. 1, ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) will host a field day at Mark Boender’s shop and oxbow site at 1634 235th St., Oskaloosa.
"ISA staff is gearing the conversation at the I2P field day in Oskaloosa toward the profitability of the Iowa soybean farmer,” says ISA Producer Services Coordinator Kennady Henry. “We are excited to show participants the research and conservation trial work happening in this part of Iowa. Additionally, we will tour an oxbow site to help show farmers an edge-of-field practice in action."
Agenda
The agenda for the day includes:
10:30 a.m. - Registration
11 a.m. - Welcome and opening comments
11:15 a.m. - Conservation practices in southeast Iowa and cost-share opportunities with Matt Swanson, ISA conservation agronomist. Participants will learn more about cover crops that can be planted in southeast Iowa and how to manage them. This will include information on seeding rates, when to seed and when to terminate. Participants will also learn how to implement cover crops in different crop rotations such as no-till and continuous corn.
11:45 a.m. - Lunch
12:15 p.m. - Agronomy update and ISA trial opportunities with Lucas De Bruin, ISA research agronomist. Gain insight on replicated strip trials and projects that include nutrient management and disease control in corn and soybean rotations with some implementation of cover crops.
12:45 p.m. - Oxbow tour with Brandon Iddings, ISA conservation services manager. Tour an oxbow and learn more about how they benefit farmers. Participants will also get the inside scoop on other edge-of-field practices and habitat opportunities available for Iowa farmers and landowners.
1:30 p.m. - Wrap up and discussion
2 p.m. - Adjourn
Those interested in attending should RSVP and register online at: https://www.iasoybeans.com/events/innovation-to-profit-summer-series-oskaloosa.
The deadline to register is Thursday, July 18. For additional information or questions, contact Kennady Henry at (515) 491-3539 or khenry@iasoybeans.com.
Farmersburg event
Meanwhile, the I2P series will conclude with the third and final event in northeast Iowa on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at Joe and Suzanne Shirbroun’s shop, 17724 Highway 52 Farmersburg.
Agenda
The agenda for the day includes:
10:30 a.m. – Registration
11 a.m. – Welcome and opening comments from ISA President Suzanne Shirbroun
11:15 a.m. - Conservation practices in northeast Iowa and cost-share opportunities with Evan Brehm, ISA conservation agronomist. Explore various cost-share programs in the state of Iowa geared toward cover crops and edge-of-field practices. This includes a high-level discussion on the agronomics of cover crops and why acres have increased to nearly 4 million acres in 2024. See results from water monitoring on edge-of-field practices that created a 25-90% reduction of nitrates in 2023 and receive contacts for practice implementation.
12 p.m. - Lunch
12:40 p.m. - Soil & Water Outcomes Fund (SWOF) discussion with Brogan Schanz, SWOF field program representative. Participants will receive an overview of SWOF and how farmers can sign their acres up for the program. Learn how SWOF quantifies environmental outcomes and works with partners to create payments for farmers based upon those outcomes.
12:50 p.m. - 2023-24 Research trial results, agronomy update and 2025 trial opportunities with Shane Beck, ISA research agronomist. Participants will hear results from previous ISA fungicide trials and the determined benefits. Receive an update on current fungicide trials and learn about a new improved cropping systems trial. Discuss current pest and pathogen pressures farmers are experiencing, including corn rootworm. Lastly, discover 2025 trial opportunities and how you can get involved.
1:20 p.m. - Pollinator plot tour, other edge-of-field and habitat practices with Brandon Iddings, ISA conservation services manager. Discover the benefits of converting unproductive ground into native pollinator prairie. This session will discuss what it takes to establish your own prairie and cost-share opportunities to help cover the costs. Additionally, explore other edge-of-field and habitat practices that could benefit your farm in the future.
1:40 p.m. - Wrap up and discussion
Those interested in attending should RSVP and register online at: https://www.iasoybeans.com/events/innovation-to-profit-summer-series-farmersburg.
The deadline to register is Wednesday, July 24. For additional information or questions, contact ISA Producer Services Coordinator Julia Brenizer at (815) 878-5622 or jbrenizer@iasoybeans.com.
There are Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) credits available for both events.
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