Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance

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

IPPA 2025 Regional Conferences - Algona
2026-02-26 00:00 - 23:59 | Algona, Algona, 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 - Washington
2026-02-27 00:00 - 23:59 | Washington, Washington, Iowa

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.

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

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

Virtual Field Day: Evaluating manure and cover crop timing on corn
2026-03-12 00:00 - 23:59 | Iowa
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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

ISU Research: Annual Meeting and Educational Forum March 25
2026-03-25 00:00 - 23:59 | 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.

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-03-25 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-03-25/

Virtual Field Day: Wetlands
2026-03-26 00:00 - 23:59 | Iowa
To participate in the live virtual field day at 1:00 pm CT on March 26, click this URL: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/91411984892.

Iowa Learning Farms (ILF), in partnership with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, will host a virtual field day on Thursday, March 26, at 1 p.m. CT. The event, which is available at no cost, will feature a live discussion with Charlie Loewen, assistant professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology at Iowa State University, and ecology and evolutionary biology graduate research assistants Daniel Edwards, Kaitlyn Sanchez and Grace Jackson.

The virtual field day aims to provide insights into both the ecological values of nutrient reduction wetlands and whether they might pose unintended risks.

From Seed to Strategy: Intentional Cover Crop Management
2026-03-26 00:00 - 23:59 | Toledo, Toledo, Iowa
Barry Fisher: Barry is a farmer, retired Indiana NRCS Soil Health Specialist and founder of Fisher Soil Health LLC, will share on intentional cover crop management. He is known for his soil health expertise by farmers, crop specialists and agencies throughout the US Corn Belt and Northern Plains.

Meaghan Anderson: Meaghan is an ISU Extension & Outreach Agronomist and is well known in our area. Her focus will be on row
crop seedling health and vigor following cover crops.
Learn about cost-share sources and stacking from our panel of industry and agency experts. Morning refreshments will be available at 8:30 a.m. A complimentary lunch will be provided.

An RSVP is REQUIRED for this free event. To RSVP, call 641-484-2702, ext. 305 or email melody.bro@ia.nacdnet.net by Wednesday, March 18.
Persons with disabilities who require accommodation to participate in this event should contact Stacie Buhr at 641-484-2702, ext. 3 or dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunication relay services at least 48 hours prior to the event.

Sponsored by Tama Soil & Water Conservation District. Tama Soil & Water Conservation District operates in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. All programs and services are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or handicap. USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider, and lender. USDA programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or disability

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-04-01 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-04-01/

Cover Crop and CRP Field Day
2026-04-02 00:00 - 23:59 | Carpenter, Iowa, Carpenter, Iowa
Carpenter Community Center
508 William St
Carpenter, IA 50426
RSVP by March 26: 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-04-08 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-04-08/

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-04-15 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-04-15/

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-04-22 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-04-22/

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-04-29 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-04-29/

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-05-06 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-05-06/

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-05-13 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-05-13/

Mushroom Foraging Field Day Winneshiek County
2026-05-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Iowa
Join ISU Extension and Outreach Natural Resources Field Specialist, Gina Buelow, for a fun-filled program about mushroom foraging. We will cover the basics of mushroom biology and ecology, practice identifying seasonal mushrooms, and explore to find specimens and learn in the field!
Participants will connect with other fungi fanatics, examine different tools for identification, and build skills to enjoy mushroom hunting safely. Registrants will receive a copy of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Safe Mushroom Foraging field guide to take home.
$30 Registration fee — REGISTER HERE
Location: Winneshiek County Extension office with field trip to Van Peenen Park

Crop Scout School
2026-05-20 08:00 - 16:00 | Southeast Research Farm, 3115 Louisa-Washington Rd, Crawfordsville, Iowa
The Crop Scout School equips participants with foundational crop scouting skills—ideal for beginners or for those seeking a refresher before the growing season. Attendees will learn how to identify and assess common crop issues in corn and soybeans through both classroom and field-based sessions.

Iowa Learning Farms Webinar
2026-05-20 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.iaagwater.org/event/iowa-learning-farms-webinar/2026-05-20/

Crop Scout School
2026-05-26 08:00 - 16:00 | Field Extension Education Lab, 1928 240th St., Boone, IA, United States

Preparing for the FAA Part 107 Test
2026-05-27 00:00 - 2026-05-28 23:59 | Alliant Energy Agriculture Innovation Lab, 3800 University Blvd, Ames, Iowa
Research to Rows is a series of workshops offered jointly by ISU Extension and Outreach and the ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab. This intensive two-day workshop is designed for individuals looking to become FAA Part 107 Remote Pilots, enabling them to fly drones commercially and safely in the US National Airspace System.
