Cover Crops Taking Center Stage at 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show

Protecting fields and crops through the use of cover crops has become a hot topic among Midwest producers
Protecting fields and crops through the use of cover crops has become a hot topic among Midwest producers

Cover crops remain a hot topic among Midwest crop producers and are one of the focal points at the 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show in Des Moines, Iowa, as a series of free workshops are being offered to attendees of the three day event being held at the Iowa Events Center.

The five core overview sessions being covered at the show are designed to educate farmers, Certified Crop Advisers, farm managers and landowners about the ins and outs of cover crops. These sessions include the following topics: How cover crops reduce erosion, manage nutrients and improve profitability; choosing the best cover crops for corn, soybeans and livestock; five popular seeding methods; how and when to terminate cover crops; and making cover crops work with livestock.

Iowa Secretary of State Bill Northey, who was scheduled to speak at the workshops on Jan. 29, said in a recent press release, “We continue to see great interest from farmers in adding cover crops to their farming operation. Cover crops can help farmers manage nutrients, reduce soil erosion and enhance water quality.”

A total of 45 one-hour sessions will be offered over the three days of workshops, providing attendees with many opportunities to enhance their knowledge. In addition to information the sessions offered at the Iowa Power Farming Show, cover crops have also recently been proven to make soil less vulnerable to diseases that attack the leaves and root systems of soybeans.

Cover crops have come to the forefront of Midwest crop producers’ attention, and in addition to showcasing farm equipment, the 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show has put a focus on cover crops through a series of informative workshops.