Field Days
Throughout Spring 2022, CCSWCD hosted a series of farmer-led field days to demonstrate cover crops, no-tillage, crop rotation, and more. More meetings are coming back in 2023! Check on this page for field events in the future.
Photo: Frank Rademacher
Photo: Aidan Walton, PCM
Photo: Erin Gundy, CCSWCD
March 2, 2023 @ 8:00 am
Parkland College, Champaign, IL
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Lunch, coffee, and donuts provided! Contact Ivan to RSVP: ivan_dozier@il.nacdnet.net (217) 352-3536 ext. 3
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Keynote: Jim Hoorman, PhD, Hoorman Soil Health Services
Jim will discuss the key indicators for soil health, touch on the management practices and decisions that lead to improved soil function and quality, to explain the 'why'!
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Seeding methods: Champaign area farmers
Air seeding
Aerial application
Corn head seeding
Precision planting
Commercial seeding w/ retailer
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Roller Crimping + Soybean Planting Showcase
May 25, 2022
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Hosted by Rademacher Farms of Northern Champaign County, this field day showcased cereal rye roller crimping + soybean planting in action. This casual, come-and-go event attracted interest from farmers, landowners, and conservation professionals alike.
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Attendees learned firsthand from farmers who have years of experience with cover crops. CCSWCD would like to thank the Rademacher and Cornelius families for their contributions to this successful event.
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Interested in future field days? Contact Erin to be added to our mailing list: (815) 317-6410 or erin.bush@il.nacdnet.net.
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Tool Shed Meeting with Dr. Armstrong
March 24, 2022
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This tool shed meeting featured Dr. Shalamar Armstrong, an environmental soil scientist and associate professor in the Department of Agronomy at Purdue University. He reported his research findings on how planting cover crops can influence nitrogen uptake, increase corn yield, and improve water quality. Dr. Roth, a postdoc in Armstrong’s lab, also discussed cereal rye performance and nutrient concentration changes with biomass level.
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Representatives of CCSWCD, NRCS and PCM also shared resources with attendees. Over 60 farmers and conservation professionals came together to enjoy this tool shed meeting filled with valuable information!