Join University of Minnesota Extension, Querna Farm, and Albert Lea Seed for an informational cover crop field day on Friday, November 1, 2013 from 1 to 3 p.m. just outside of New Richland.
Cover crops are a multifunctional best management practice for Minnesota farmers. Adding them to any farm operation can result in numerous benefits to the soil and even the pocket book. Easiest after early harvested cash crops, but still possible in the corn/soybean system, cover crops have gotten additional notice in 2013 due to the wet spring that prevented some farmers from planting their cash crops.
The field day will take place at Querna Farm just outside of New Richland. Querna was hit hard by the spring snow and rain which resulted in a prevent plan situation. Instead, he planted a cover crop mix of winter rye, hairy vetch and Tillage Radish in the majority of his field. A plot of five different seed mixes and two different plant dates (August 16 and August 27) was also planted and includes species from the small grains, the brassicas, and the legumes.Topics and speakers will include: cover crop benefits and management (Jill Sackett, University of Minnesota Extension), Querna Farm background and cover crop experiences (Mark Querna, Querna Farm owner and organic farmer), cover crop plot work (Ed Dahle, Querna Farm), seed availability and pricing (Matt Leavitt, Albert Lea Seed), and USDA programs (Jim Fritz, Natural Resources Conservation Service).
Attendees will receive a copy of the Midwest Cover Crop Council’s “Midwest Cover Crops Field Guide.” This event will be held rain or shine.