An agricultural group is hoping to advance farming in Iowa by observing farmers and their methods across the state.Ann Seufirer with the Practical Farmers of Iowa says their cooperative founded in 1985, is an open, supportive, and diverse organization of farmers advancing profitable, ecologically sound, and community-enhancing approaches to agriculture.  This year, the organization is researching three Washington County farmers.  The group has launched projects in this area in an attempt to gain more knowledge about cover crops, and how farmers use them.  Steve Berger of Wellman is one of the farmers the organization is studying.  He says he uses rye as a cover crop to keep the soil healthy throughout the year.  George Schaefer of Kalona and Rob Stout of West Chester are the other two area farmers involved in the project.