• PFI: Expanding Cover Crop Impact: Seed Production and Reduced Inputs

    Chad and Wendy Petersen raise corn, soybeans and cattle near Bennett, Iowa. They practice minimum tillage and use cover crops on their own farm, and they appreciate seeing more farmers integrating soil health practices. Chad and Wendy are passionate about expanding cover crops on the landscape: In addition to using cover crops on their own…

  • ISA Shop Talk: Homestead

    Homestead Homestead, Iowa

    Join the Iowa Soybean Association Research Center for Farming Innovation, Ross McCaw and Amana Farms for a conversation on making cover crops work in your operation. Discussion topics will include seeding methods, stand establishment, equipment considerations, livestock grazing, in-season management and termination approaches. Hear practical experiences from the field, connect with fellow farmers and pick up…

  • PFI: Conservation in Action on a Multigenerational Family Farm

    West Branch West Branch, Iowa

    Ken Fawcett has been part of Fawcett Family Farms for decades. The operation, in Cedar County, Iowa, is now run by Ken’s son, Thomas, and nephew, Kent Stuart. But though retired, Ken is still passionate about the legacy and stewardship of the family ground. Over the last 50 years, Ken and his family have adopted…

  • PFI: Grazing CRP for Beginning Farmers

    Harper Harper, Iowa

    The Adam family has farmed their land near Harper, Iowa, since 1851. Eric and Madison Adam are trying to manage the ground with the next 175 years in mind. One of the tools they’re using is grazing land set aside in the Conservation Reserve Program. Eric believes that CRP is an investment in soil health…

  • PFI: Boosting a Farm’s Resiliency Through Cover Crops and Crop Rotations

    Marengo Marengo, Iowa

    Ross McCaw began planting cover crops in 2019 to try to reduce his nitrogen inputs. He’s taking part in a nitrogen reduction trial through PFI’s on-farm research program to document the results. In 2023, Ross started planting a three-crop rotation to raise more rye for seed and get all of the benefits of cover crops.…

  • PFI: Cover Crops and Conservation Across All Acres

    Oskaloosa Oskaloosa, Iowa

    Jackson and Amanda Drost are part of Drost Farms, a multigenerational family farm in Mahaska County, Iowa, raising corn, soybeans and cattle. Around 2010, the Drosts flew on their first acres of rye cover crop to graze with their cow-calf herd. Those initial acres have increased in recent years. While using primarily rye and oats,…