Iowa Learning Farms will host an establishing and managing prairie field day near Washington on Tuesday, August 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Rob and Jean Stout’s farm. The free event is open to farmers and landowners, and includes a complimentary meal.

This field day aims to assist farmers and landowners with establishing and maintaining prairie perennial vegetation. These areas offer many benefits including: pollinator habitat, reducing soil erosion from sensitive areas, building soil health, improving wildlife, and providing beauty to the landscape. Additionally, the field day will highlight the role of prairie and edge-of-field practices.

Iowa Learning Farms Conservation and Cover Crop Outreach Specialist Liz Ripley shares more about what the organization does, “We are based on campus at Iowa State University, and we were established in 2004, so, proudly celebrating 21 years of building a culture of conservation. What that means is that we work with farmers and landowners, researchers and our agency partners like the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and many more. To implement conservation practices on the landscape that improve water quality and soil health.”   

The field day will feature host Rob Stout discussing how he has incorporated and managed perennial vegetation on his farm to improve soil health, water quality and ease of farming. The day will be held at the Stout’s farm, 2449 Hemlock Avenue, Washington.