Cover Crops Field Day, March 20 in eastern Ohio

Fifteen different cover crop plots will be discussed and analyzed by the host farmer and several expert presenters on March 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The location is the Shirley and Randall Horst Farm, 1145 Morgan Rd., Zanesville, Ohio 43701.

The variety of cover crop plots were planted in early October. This field day provides an opportunity to see how different individual species and mixes are thriving, both top growth and roots, in early Spring. Participants will learn about the benefits for erosion control, weed management, grazing, and soil health. You’ll also learn about different ways to manage the cover crops, from spraying them early to “planting green.”  

The lineup of speakers includes Jeff Duling, Putnam County farmer and past president of the Ohio Federation of SWCDs; Manbir Rakkar, soil fertility and nutrient management specialist, OSU Extension; Jason Undercoffer, state agronomist, USDA-NRCS; Clifton Martin, Muskingum County OSU extension educator, Melvin Lahmers, CCA agronomist, TMK Bakersville; Bob Hendershot; farmer; and Henry Peller, Rose Hill Farm and Living Willow Farm. 

Along will farmers wanting to learn about cover crops and no-till, many NRCS and SWCD folks will participate.

The field day is free, but you are asked to register at OFSWCD.org. For more details go to: www.muskingumswcd.org or call the office, 740-454-2027. 

Cargill Supports Ohio No-Till Council

Cargill is supporting our programs to educate farmers (and others) about sustainable soil health practices. This funding will help provide field day events, programs, and specific details from successful no-till farms on finances, soil health measurements, and “planting green.”

Upcoming No-Till events

March 20, Cover Crops Field Day, Zanesville
Aug. 5, Soil Health, Allen Dean Farm, Bryan
Aug. 18, From Dirt to Healthy Soil, Lima
Sept. (TBA), MVP Dairy, Celina
Dec. 2, Ohio No-till Conf., Plain City