The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension is pleased to announce a cover crop field day focused on using cover crops for the dual purpose of improving the soil and producing forage. The Field Day will be held August 25 in Boelus, NE from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mary Drewnoski, Beef Systems Specialist with UNL said “The field day will be a great opportunity to learn more about using cover crops to improve soil health as well as how to increase revenue from acres by utilizing cover crops as a forage source.”
The field day will begin at the Boelus Civic Center, 604 Delaware St., then at 12:30 p.m., participants will travel to a field site at 781 Road where participants will hear from producers, have a chance to view cover crops planted after small grain harvest as well as view a soil pit, and learn more about soil physical properties.
Experts from UNL will be on site to answer questions along with soil health specialists from Natural Resources and Conservation Services to facilitate discussions on incorporating cover crops into cropping rotations and learn about the impacts on the soil.
The speakers include:
-Incorporating cover crops into rotations-impacts on soil - Aaron Hird, NRCS Soil Health Specialist
-Results from the field: impacts of cover crops on soil microbial populations - Linda Schott, UNL Extension Assistant
-Species selection based on planting date and goals - Daren Redfearn, UNL Forage Specialist
-Cattle performance and nutritional considerations - Mary Drewnoski, UNL Beef Systems Specialist
-Developing lease agreements for cover crop grazing –Jay Parsons, UNL Ag Systems Economist
-Producer perspectives- Greg Rasmussen and others
-What happens underground - Paul Jasa, UNL Extension Engineer
Lunch is free but those planning to attend will need to preregister.
Producers can RSVP by calling the Nebraska Extension in Custer County at 308-872-6831 or email Troy at troy.walz@unl.edu. Please register by August 18.