Strip-Till and Bioreactor Field Day
Kristi Heffelmeier Farm
14745 Hammond Ave
Buckingham, IA 50612

Iowa Learning Farms will host a strip-till and bioreactor field day on Tuesday, June 11th from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Foss Farm near Buckingham with host Kristi Heffelmeier. The free event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.

 The goal of this field day is to share the benefits of strip tillage and bioreactors on Iowa’s soil health and water quality. Strip-tillage can result in reduced soil erosion, less fertilizer runoff, increased organic matter and potential weed suppression benefits. Water quality can also be greatly improved through the use of bioreactors. Bioreactors utilize microbial action to reduce nitrate loads in water leaving a field through tile outlets.

 Along with her father Chris Foss, Kristi strives to implement conservation practices across their farm. Seeing the benefits of these practices over the years, Kristi will discuss their experiences as they have put new practices into place to benefit Iowa’s soil health and water quality. Tama County farmer Pete Youngblut will also be sharing about his experiences with strip-tillage in the area. Guests will learn about what it takes to make strip-tillage a part of their operation and the potential benefits. The field day will also include a Conservation Station On-the-Edge trailer demonstration.

 The field day will be held at the Foss Farm located at 14745 Hammond Avenue, Buckingham, Iowa. The event is free and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, please contact Mitch Harting at 515-294-8912 or ilf@iastate.edu by June 5.  Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.

 Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.