Location
ISU McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm
45249 170th Ave
Chariton, IA 50049
RSVP: 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu
Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Horizon II Climate-Smart Partners, will host a cereal rye seeding, forage and feedstock field day Wednesday, September 11 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at ISU McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm near Chariton. 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 managing cereal rye and similar overwinter species for forage and feedstock. As a cover crop, cereal rye reduces soil erosion and nutrient loss, while increasing organic matter and providing potential weed suppression benefits. Cereal rye can also provide high quality forage and grazing opportunities for livestock. Additionally, the field day will highlight the innovative use of harvested winter biomass crops like cereal rye for renewable fuel generation through anaerobic digestion.
Mark Licht, Iowa State University Extension Cropping Systems Specialist, will begin the program highlighting best management practices for establishing and managing cereal rye to meet producer goals. Shelby Gruss, Iowa State University Assistant Professor in Forage will discuss opportunities and tips for successfully utilizing cereal rye for grazing and forage. Dan Andersen, Iowa State University Associate Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, will discuss ongoing research utilizing cereal rye biomass in anaerobic digesters for renewable fuel generation.
The field day will be held, rain or shine, at the ISU McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm, 45249 170th Ave, Chariton, IA 50049. 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 Liz Ripley by September 5 at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.
This field day is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service under Federal Award No. NR233A750004G072. For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit www.iowalearningfarms.org.
About Iowa Learning Farms
Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program and GROWMARK, Inc.
About Horizon II
Horizon II is an innovative program that compensates farmers in Iowa and Missouri for harvesting winter crops and prairie. This biomass, alongside manure and other agricultural or municipal waste, serves as a feedstock for anaerobic digesters to produce renewable energy. The program aims to advance a climate-smart agricultural system in the U.S., reducing greenhouse gas emissions from commodity production and promoting year-round ground cover. Additionally, the initiative expands existing supply chains for renewable natural gas (RNG), biofertilizers, and carbon credits, while enhancing soil health, water quality, flood control, and wildlife habitat. Supported by a USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant and led by Roeslein Alternative Energy, Horizon II is a collaboration between fourteen partners committed to enhancing rural vitality.