Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance

ISU Research: Annual Meeting and Educational Forum March 25
2026-03-25 00:00 - 23:59 UTC | Kanawha, Kanawha, Iowa
AMES, Iowa – Members, farmers and ag business professionals are invited to attend the North Central Iowa Research Association annual meeting on Wednesday, March 25, at the Northern Research Farm, located at 310 South Main Street, Kanawha.
The association, in partnership with Iowa State University, oversees the Northern Research Farm and works with ISU Extension and Outreach to provide agronomic research, demonstrations and educational events.
The annual meeting will feature the following topics:

Ag market outlook with Chad Hart, professor of economics and extension grain markets specialist at ISU
The use of the N-FACT tool to determine nitrogen fertilization rates for corn with Sotirios Archontoulis, professor of integrated cropping systems at ISU, and Melissa Miller, project director at the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative
In-depth look at cover crops and edge of field practices with Sean McCoy, environmental specialist with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Mental health resources for rural Iowans with David Brown, behavioral health state specialist at ISU Extension and Outreach

Additionally, Matt Schnabel, research farm superintendent, and Tim Goode, director of ISU Research and Demonstration Farms, will share a review of the farm activities and an overview of ISU’s outlying research farms. Greg Guenther, president of the North Central Iowa Research Association, will provide an update on the capital campaign, the new facility and conduct the annual meeting.

Cover Crop and Plant Disease Workshop
2026-03-24 00:00 - 23:59 | Ames, Ames, IA
Location
Alliant Energy Ag Innovation Lab
3800 University Blvd
Ames, IA 50010
RSVP by March 17: 515-294-8912 or ilf@iastate.edu

Iowa Learning Farms will host a cover crop and plant disease workshop as part of their Beyond the Basics: Advanced Cover Crop Series in Ames on Tuesday, Mar. 24, from 12:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Alliant Energy Agriculture Innovation Lab. The event is open to farmers and landowners at no cost and includes a complimentary meal.

“Cover crops play a critical role in keeping Iowa’s soil and water resources healthy. Though cover crops have many benefits, challenges like plant pathogens and disease can negatively impact the following cash crop,” said Mitch Harting, Water Outreach Specialist with Iowa Learning Farms. “This workshop will help farmers understand pathogen movement between cereal rye and corn, and the best management practices to reduce yield declines.” Attendees will also get insight into how they can implement alternative cover crops on their operation.

The workshop will feature Alison Roberston, Extension Field Crop Pathologist at Iowa State University, sharing about the disease interaction between cereal rye cover crops and the corn that follows. Robertson will also offer a hands-on demonstration allowing attendees to see seedling disease first-hand among different cover crop treatments. The agenda will also include Mark Kenney, a local farmer who will offer insight into managing an oat cover crop as an alternative to rye. Additionally, Ethan Thies, Conservation Field Specialist with Iowa State University, will discuss other alternatives to cereal rye ahead of corn and best management practices to avoid disease when using cover crops.

The field day will be held at the Alliant Energy Agriculture Innovation Lab, 3800 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50010. The event and open to farmers and landowners, though reservations are required 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 Mar. 17. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.

Farm Succession Planning by Maquoketa River WMA
2026-03-24 00:00 - 23:59 | Peosta, Peosta, Iowa
Your farm is more than an operation — it’s a legacy.
After the overwhelming response to the first event, The Maquoketa River WMA secured a larger venue for a second session at the Peosta Community Center with presenter, Steve Bohr.
This isn’t just another meeting — it’s a conversation for the entire family. He’ll talk about planning for the future, strengthening communication, and taking the next steps to protect and grow your farm for generations to come.
Be sure to RSVP at this link.

Conservation On Tap
2026-03-19 00:00 - 23:59 | Altoona, Altoona, Iowa
Location
Brightside Aleworks
480 Center Place
Altoona, IA 50009
RSVP: 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu

Iowa Learning Farms will host a “Conservation On Tap” event on Thursday, Mar. 19, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Brightside Aleworks in Altoona. The event, which is available at no cost, will provide local farmers, landowners and urban residents with a chance to discuss and ask questions. There will be an opportunity for networking following the event.

“Our intent with this event is to help build community through encouraging farmers, landowners and urban residents to talk about topics important within the community — what keeps them up at night, what challenges they see with conservation practices and what they want to learn more about,” said Liz Ripley, Iowa Learning Farms conservation and cover crop outreach specialist. “There will be no formal presentations or agenda, just a chance to talk, ask questions, listen and learn while enjoying a beverage and provided food. We are looking forward to learning alongside everyone else who attends.”

Event hosts include Ripley, as well as Matt Helmers, Iowa Nutrient Research Center Director, and Mark Licht, associate professor and cropping systems specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. Andrew Frana, founder and co-owner of Brightside Aleworks, will begin the discussion by highlighting the importance of water quality in the brewing process.

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-03-18 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-03-18/

Backyard Conservation
2026-03-14 00:00 - 23:59 | Rockwell City, Rockwell City, Iowa
Speakers:
Darcy Maulsby, Darcy Maulsby & Co. “Iowa’s Amazing Garden Stories: How Iowa Gardeners Changed the Course of History”
Jeremy Viles, Calhoun County Natural Resources Conservation Service. “Pocket Prairie Wildflowers”
Mykayla Hagaman, Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium. “Gardening for Butterflies and Mowing for Monarchs”
Tehya Mitchell, Calhoun County Conservation. Hands-On Activity: Teacup Bird Feeder

Sponsors:
Calhoun County Soil and Water Conservation District
Iowa State Extension Service
Calhoun County Conservation

Cost:
Fee is $10.00 payable at the door.
The fees for service will be used to offset direct expenses and to support the Agriculture
and Natural Resources County Extension Program. This institution is an equal
opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation
inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/legal.

Virtual Field Day: Evaluating manure and cover crop timing on corn
2026-03-12 00:00 - 23:59
Iowa Learning Farms (ILF), in partnership with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, will host a virtual field day on Thursday, Mar. 12, at 1 p.m. CT. The event, which is available at no cost, will feature a live discussion with Dan Andersen, associate professor and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State University, Raj Raman, Morrill Professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and Philip Rockson, agricultural and biosystems engineering graduate research assistant at ISU.

The virtual field day aims to provide valuable insights into the impacts of different cover crop systems and manure application methods on water quality and corn yield.

“We’ve done a fair amount of work on the timing of manure application, looking at late fall manure versus early fall manure impacts on corn yield and water quality, knowing that some people are stressed about ‘When can we get manure on in the fall?’,” noted Andersen. “We saw huge timing responses, and one of the next questions was ‘How much different is it when you move manure application to spring?’”

In this innovative project, funded in part by the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, the focus is on how timing affects yield and water quality when comparing fall and spring manure applications.

Any person interested in cover crops, manure application or water quality is welcome to attend the virtual field day. Participants are also encouraged to bring any questions they would like to ask.

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-03-11/

Perennial Farm Gathering
2026-03-11 00:00 - 2026-03-13 23:59 | Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa
The Perennial Farm Gathering, Savanna Institute’s signature event, brings together a wide community of land stewards, farmers, and perennial enthusiasts. Over three days, folks gather to share work, research, and lessons learned in panels, workshops, deep dives, and nutshell overviews – all to advance perennial agriculture. Register.

35% Off for Farmers and Students with code ROOTS35.

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-03-04 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-03-04/

Midwest Grazing & Soil Health Summit
2026-03-03 00:00 - 2026-03-04 23:59 | Willmar, Willmar, Iowa
Attend the Midwest Grazing & Soil Health Summit, a key event for farmers, ranchers, and conservation professionals focused on sustainable agriculture. This summit offers practical insights into regenerative grazing practices, improving soil health, and boosting farm resilience. Connect with experts, network with peers, and gain tools to enhance both productivity and environmental stewardship.

IPPA 2025 Regional Conferences - Washington
2026-02-27 00:00 - 23:59 | Washington, Washington, Iowa
This is an Iowa Pork Producers Event for owners/operators, contract growers, production employees, veterinarians, and swine industry stakeholders. Topics and speakers include:

Brian Blumhagen discusses what to inspect in hog barns, when to consider major repoairs, and what related costs could be
Dr. Chris Rademacher explains effective mortality management.
Gracie Greiner Marlo covers the National Pork Board’s Impact Reports for conservation efforts
ISU Extension will focus on practical ways to improve barn ventilation

IPPA 2025 Regional Conferences - Algona
2026-02-26 00:00 - 23:59 | Algona, Algona, Iowa

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-02-25 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-02-25/

IPPA 2025 Regional Conferences - Nashua
2026-02-25 00:00 - 23:59 | Nashua, Nashua, Iowa

IPPA 2025 Regional Conferences - Orange City
2026-02-24 00:00 - 23:59 | Orange City, Orange City, Iowa

Linking Learning Landscapes: Where Classrooms and Conservation Meet
2026-02-21 00:00 - 23:59 | Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The Iowa Conservation Education Coalition’s Winter Workshop 2026 (WW26) will bring together classroom teachers and informal, environmental educators to explore the power of collaboration for place-based environmental education. Through panel discussions and practical examples, participants will leave with innovative strategies for integrating local environmental themes into everyday teaching. Join us to connect with educators committed to conservation across Iowa!

I2P: Innovation on tap in Templeton
2026-02-19 00:00 - 23:59 | Templeton, Templeton, Iowa
Join the Iowa Soybean Association on February 19 in Templeton to learn how research meets your bottom line.
We’ll pour fresh insights on the agronomic practices and programs that turn good ideas into profit.

Soybean Trials That Work: Results from sulfur, fungicide and insecticide to maximize ROI
Cover Crops That Pay: Cost-share programs and strategies to boost profitability
Conservation Without the Hassle: Edge-of-field practices that protect water and habitat

Discover practical, profitable steps that combine strong agronomic advice with conservation that fits your farm.

2026 ISA Innovation to Profit - Templeton
2026-02-19 00:00 - 23:59 | Templeton, Templeton, Iowa
Join the Iowa Soybean Association on February 19 in Templeton to learn how research meets your bottom line.
We’ll pour fresh insights on the agronomic practices and programs that turn good ideas into profit.

Soybean Trials That Work: Results from sulfur, fungicide and insecticide to maximize ROI
Cover Crops That Pay: Cost-share programs and strategies to boost profitability
Conservation Without the Hassle: Edge-of-field practices that protect water and habitat

BONUS: Raise a glass to ROI with a post-event tasting at the Templeton Whiskey Distillery.

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-02-18 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-02-18/

I2P: Building for profit in Williamsburg
2026-02-12 00:00 - 23:59 | Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Iowa
Join the Iowa Soybean Association on February 12 in Williamsburg to learn how research meets your bottom line.
We’ll provide a hands-on look at the agronomic practices and programs that build profitability from the ground up.

Soybean Trials That Work: Results from sulfur, fungicide and insecticide to maximize ROI
Cover Crops That Pay: Cost-share programs and strategies to boost profitability
Conservation Without the Hassle: Edge-of-field practices that protect water and habitat

Discover practical, profitable steps that combine strong agronomic advice with conservation that fits your farm.

2026 ISA Innovation to Profit - Williamsburg
2026-02-12 00:00 - 23:59 | Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Iowa
Join the Iowa Soybean Association on February 12 in Williamsburg to learn how research meets your bottom line.
We’ll provide a hands-on look at the agronomic practices and programs that build profitability from the ground up.

Soybean Trials That Work: Results from sulfur, fungicide and insecticide to maximize ROI
Cover Crops That Pay: Cost-share programs and strategies to boost profitability
Conservation Without the Hassle: Edge-of-field practices that protect water and habitat

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-02-11 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-02-11/

Midwest Cover Crop Council Conference
2026-02-11 00:00 - 23:59 | Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa
This will be the 20th anniversary of the Midwest Cover Crops Council! The Annual Meeting will be Tuesday, Feb 10 in Dubuque. February 11 will be a day of cover crop education day. Topics include how to set up your planter for planting green, wind erosion, grazing forage, cover crops ahead of corn, landlord/tenant relationships and conservation, cover crop species selection, and a Black Hawk Lake case study.

Iowa Rural Water Association Annual Conference
2026-02-09 00:00 - 2026-02-11 23:59 | Des Moines, Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa
Multi‑day professional training and networking event focused on water system management, distribution, treatment, water quality issues, and utility practices.
https://iowaruralwater.org/events

Good Idea Shop Talk 3
2026-02-05 11:30 - 12:30
This free, virtual meet-up series is for producers who want to exchange ideas for troubleshooting on-farm challenges related to improving soil and water resources, while protecting profitability.
Have you found yourself wishing you could talk to other producers who are using or considering conservation practices to improve their soil, land, and bottom lines?
Whether you lack peers in your community whom you can talk to, or you just want to hear what producers elsewhere are doing and learning, this meet-up series is for you.

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-02-04 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-02-04/

Farm Forward: Challenge Assumptions & Grow Opportunities
2026-02-04 00:00 - 23:59 | Des Moines, Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa
The Iowa Soybean Association invites farmers and industry alike to look at the beliefs, systems and habits that have guided American agriculture for decades. From trade and transportation to innovation, we’ll explore how asking better questions can lead to better outcomes for farmers, rural communities and consumers alike.
2026 Farm Forward will feature keynote speaker, Ray Starling, and expert panels that push boundaries and reimagine what’s possible for U.S. agriculture in an interconnected world.

Midwest Ag Safety Conference
2026-02-03 00:00 - 2026-02-05 23:59 | La Vista, La Vista, NE
Explore the latest innovations, strategies, and tools to strengthen workplace safety. Guided by our exploration theme, this event is your chance to chart new paths, make connections, and discover new opportunities in the world of safety.

Lower Cedar Watershed Trivia Night
2026-02-03 00:00 - 23:59 | Durant, Durant, Iowa
Date: February 3rd from 5:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Lamp Memorial Community Center, Durant, IA 52747

Come enjoy a meal and fun conservation trivia trivia night. Prizes for the winning table! No Entry fees!
RSVP for meal numbers: Edavis@heartlandcoop.com

Flyer with more information
