Field day to feature drone seeding cover crop demonstration, discussion

SLATER, IOWA – An Iowa landowner and operator will discuss the in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices they have implemented together during the last 10 years as part of a free field day set for Aug. 23.

“Cover Crops and Saturated Buffers: Teaming Up for Better Water Quality,” featuring landowner Lee Tesdell and operator Mike Helland, will be from 10 a.m. to noon, at Tesdell Century Farm, 300 NW 158th Ave., Slater, Iowa. Attendees are invited to come early for coffee and rolls. 

The event will be hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Polk Soil and Water Conservation District, and Rantizo. 

“Lee and Mike are a wonderful example of a landowner-tenant relationship, in which they work together to achieve their goals and take care of their land,” said Kate Hansen, policy associate for the Center for Rural Affairs. “This event will be a great opportunity to learn about their operation, including the conservation they have incorporated farm-wide.”   

The field day will feature a demonstration of drone seeding cover crops, including a multi-species swarm seeding by Rantizo. Attendees will also see a saturated buffer and learn about ongoing opportunities for implementing conservation measures on their own farms, landowner-tenant collaboration, and watershed conservation programs. 

Drones used for both seeding and spraying will be available for viewing at the event. The field day will conclude with lunch, conversation, and a visit from the Heartland Co-op Conservation Trailer. 

“Attendees can expect to learn a lot at this field day about cover crops and saturated buffers,” Tesdell said. “In addition, we’re looking forward to connecting farmers, landowners, and stakeholders in the community to promote collaboration on local conservation efforts.”

RSVPs are appreciated by Aug. 18 for lunch following the event. Click here to RSVP.