The University of Illinois Extension is hosting the Spring Cover Crop Field Day in Ewing, Ill. Registration will start at 8:30 a.m. with the program kicking off at 9 a.m., rain or shine. 

Speakers and topics include:

Challenges of Grazing Lush Spring Forage — Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension educator

Techniques for Planting into Cover Crop Residue — Mike Plumer, private consultant

Understanding the Soil Profile — Bryan Fitch, NRCS resource soil scientist

Which One to Choose? Cover Crop Species Selection and Demonstration Trial Tour — Nathan Johanning, University of Illinois Extension educator

One of the program highlights will be the cover crop plots, which includes 17 different cover crops and combinations illustrating first hand the characteristics of the cover crops and what benefits they bring to the soil and crop production system. And — weather and soil conditions permitting — a soil pit will be dug, and Fitch will go through the characteristics of southern Illinois soils to enhance understanding of the importance of a healthy soil.

Certified Crop Advisor CEU credits will be available (2.0 Soil & Water Management and 1.0 Crop Management). 

The field day is free and open to anyone interested in learnign more about cover crops. A light lunch will be provided. 

Please call the Franklin County Extension Office at 618-439-3178 for more information and to register by Tuesday, March 24.