If you’re a farmer frustrated with low grain prices, who wants to explore practices that increase profits while protecting soil and water, then you are welcomed to join a tour of two fields farmed by Gary Stelpflug of Lancaster, who’s been experimenting with cover crops for several years.

Cover crops can increase soil health, fertility, and yields, help crops withstand drought, reduce flooding, reduce weeds and other pests as well as decrease erosion, while capitalizing on nutrients already in the soil and help farmers save money. The tour will cover two fields, where Stelpflug will share his experiences, invite other farmers to share theirs and MFAI’s Reasearch Director, Dr. Jim Stute, will answer questions about cover crops, based on research conducted around the state.

The tour will take place Monday, Aug. 31 from 10 a.m. until noon. The farm is located on Abing Road, 1.5 miles west of Highway 61, in Grant County, near Rockville and Potosi. The intersection of Hwy. 61 and County B is a half mile north of Rockville and two miles north of Potosi. From that intersection, take Abing Road west one-and-a-half miles. The fields have no fire numbers visible, but are located at the top of a hill and there should be plenty of signage and off road parking.

For more information contact Margaret Krome of the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute at 608-238-1440 or by email at mkrome@sbcglobal.net.