AMES, IOWA (August 13, 2026) — Farmers, ag retailers, crop advisors, and conservation professionals can explore current Iowa State University research on cropping systems, nitrate loss, cover crops, and a potential alternative biomass crop — miscanthus — at the upcoming Fall Field Day at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm on September 10, 1:30-4PM. The event is hosted by ISU Extension and Outreach, ISU Research Farms, and the Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association.
Cody Schneider, farm superintendent, will begin the day with a research farm update, providing an overview of recent activities at the farm and highlighting ongoing research projects. Next, attendees will learn how different cropping systems have influenced both crop-productivity and nitrate-loss over the long term. Matt Liebman, professor emeritus of agronomy, will discuss lessons from this research and what they may mean for future management decisions.
Participants will also tour the farm's miscanthus plots and learn about ongoing research, production considerations, and emerging market opportunities for this perennial biomass crop. Andy VanLoocke, professor of agronomy and associate director of the Bioeconomy Institute at Iowa State, will lead the discussion.
The final stop will showcase cover crop mixes and discuss how they can be integrated into livestock operations as a forage source while also reducing nutrient-loss, building soil organic matter, and improving soil health. Shelby Gruss, assistant professor and extension forage specialist at Iowa State, will lead this discussion.
"This field day offers an opportunity to see research results in the field and discuss how those findings can be applied on working farms," said Rebecca Vittetoe, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
“Whether you're interested in crop productivity, conservation practices, alternative crops, or livestock forage opportunities, there will be valuable information for a wide range of producers and ag professionals.”
Check-in begins at 1PM, and the field day starts at 1:30PM. The event is open to the public at no cost due to the support from ISU Extension and Outreach, ISU Research Farms, and the Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association.
Farmers, ag retailers, crop advisers, conservation professionals, livestock producers, and anyone interested in agricultural research are encouraged to attend.
Certified Crop Advisers can earn 1.5 continuing education units in crop management and 0.5 CEU in soil and water management.
The Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm is located at 3115 Louisa-Washington Road, Crawfordsville. To reach the farm, travel 1.75 miles south of Crawfordsville on US Highway 218, then two miles east on County Road G-62, and then ¾ of a mile north. Signs will be posted near the farm.
For more information, contact Logan McCrea at ldmccrea@iastate.edu or 641-226-7102; Virgil Schmitt at vschmitt@iastate.edu, or 563-263-5701; or Rebecca Vittetoe at rka8@iastate.edu or 712-540-3319.
