As farmers in the area prepare for planting season, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) are encouraging producer in the Black Hawk Lake Watershed to begin thinking about their post-harvest plans for implementing cover crops. Watershed Coordinator, Ethan Thies, says cover crop programs have been around for quite some time, but they are becoming increasingly popular in the region.
The DNR and ISA are inviting area producers to participate in a self-guided tour of 14 sites in Sac, Carroll, and Calhoun Counties to see the benefits firsthand. Cover crops include species such as rye or wheat and can be planted using a variety of non-intrusive methods. Thies says seeing is believing when it comes to these conservation programs.
Each of the sites are marked with DNR signage to indicate their participation in the cover crop program and include details like planting date, seeding method, species choice, and more. According to Thies, the application deadline for fall cover crops is coming up later this summer, but it is important producers don’t wait until the last minute.
Their contact information is included with this story on our website. A map of the site locations and a survey for crop tour participants can be found online as well.
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Ethan Thies
Black Hawk Lake Watershed Coordinator
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
ethan.thies@dnr.iowa.gov
(712) 730-3018
Joe Wuebker
Conservation Agronomist
Iowa Soybean Association
jwuebker@iasoybeans.com
(712) 790-1415
2022 Cover Crop Tour Site Map
2022 Tour Survey
Cover-Crop-Tour-Handout-2022
