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Practical Farmers of Iowa 1997 Field Days



PROFITABLE, ENVIRONMENTALLY-SOUND FARMING:
PRACTICAL FARMERS OF IOWA 1997 FIELD DAYS

INTERNET READERS PLEASE NOTE:
A formatted (with photos) version of this 26-page field day guide 
in Adobe Acrobat format can be obtained through FTP with the
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responses would be as follows (Note that sometimes the ISUM
machine is pretty busy.):

(the computer):                    (you):

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isum.iastate.edu username():       anonymous.dnexner

isum.iastate.edu password ():      enter your email address

ftp>                               cd fieldays
                      (puts you in the right subdirectory)

ftp>                               ls
                 (lists two available files)

ftp>                               get filename
                               (whatever the file name is)
                                                          
ftp>                               quit

The main body of the field day guide is file "PFIFdays.pdf,"
(about 1 megabyte in size) and the centerfold map of events
is the file "EventMap.pdf" (about 180 kilobytes).

The Adobe Acrobat viewer is freely available and can be
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PROFITABLE, ENVIRONMENTALLY-SOUND FARMING:
PRACTICAL FARMERS OF IOWA 1997 FIELD DAYS

There doesn't have to be a trade-off between profitable
farming and farming that preserves the soil and water and
protects the health of farm families!  PFI farmers are
finding ways to accomplish both these goals, and
agricultural scientists are developing new tools to aid in
the task.

The Practical Farmers of Iowa cooperators and assisting
farmers in this brochure determine what management practices
they will evaluate on their own farms.  They carry out
dozens of these trials and collect the data themselves, and
they analyze results with assistance from Iowa State
University Extension.  The field trial design is a simple
one, yet it allows trial results to be evaluated
statistically.  These research trials often compare the
cooperator's customary practice side-by-side with an
alternative practice.  This year, PFI cooperators are
evaluating:
* management-intensive rotational grazing; 
* hoop structures and other deep-bedded hog production
   systems;
* N management using late spring soil nitrate test &
   end-of-season stalk test; 
* berseem clover, barley, turnips, and other short-term
   feeds and forages;
* P and K fertilizer rates and placement; 
* alfalfa as a supplement in finishing rations; 
* biological control of corn borer, alfalfa weevil,
   stalkborer, potato leafhopper, and corn rootworm;
* comparisons of manure and purchased fertilizer;
* trials using cover crops for soil improvement and weed
   control;
* soybean production for identity-preserved premium markets;
* many more comparisons of interest to other farmers.

JULY 1   SOUTH-CENTRAL IOWA with NRCS and Madison Co.
Extension
    Dennis and Kate McLaughlin, RR 1, Cumming   50061
    (515) 981-9684
    Resource people: Les Lewis, Bob Gunnarson, ISU Entomology
    Dept.; Dennis Schrodt, NRCS District Conservationist for
    Story County.
    Dennis and Kate (with help from Dennis' parents) farm 100
    acres of row crops, some oats and CRP, 30 acres of hay,
    and a 30-head cow-calf herd grazing 60 acres of rolling
    pasture.
    Demonstrations: biological control of corn borer using an
    endophytic fungus (in cooperation with ISU Entomology),
    ridge-tillage with terraces and turn rows, strip
    intercropping (3 crops), preplant nitrogen application
    for corn vs. soil test and sidedress, preparing for
    intensive rotational grazing for cow-calf herd (with
    Dennis Schrodt, NRCS).
    6:30 P.M.  From Cumming exit of I-35, go ½ mi W on
    pavement, 2 miles S. on gravel, 1¼ mile W.   South side
    of road, top of hill, (white house).
  
JULY 9   NORTHEAST IOWA
    Walter and Gartha Ebert, 1273 120th St., Plainfield  
    50666
    (319) 276-4444
    On their 145-acre farm, the Eberts raise corn, soybeans,
    small grains and forages, and they rotationally graze a
    sheep flock of 60 ewes and their lambs.  They are
    participating in a demonstration of profitable oat
    production coordinated by the Michael Fields Agricultural
    Institute of East Troy, Wisconsin.
    Demonstrations: management-intensive grazing for sheep,
    profitable oat production, comparison of legume
    underseedings for oats.
    1:00 P.M.  Three miles E. of Plainfield on Hwy. 188 to
    Horton, N. 2 miles on Hwy. V-14 to 120th St.  W. on 120th
    St. 1¼ miles.  N. side, white house, maples in front
    yard.
    REFRESHMENTS SERVED
  
    Craig and Katia Milius, 1169 120th St., Plainfield  50666
    (319) 276-3038
    Of the 110 tillable acres on the 150-acre farm, all but a
    40 acre experimental field is now pasture.  Livestock on
    the Milius farm includes a 30-cow beef herd, 20 ewes, 30
    sows, dairy calves, goats, quarter horses, and broiler
    chickens.
    Demonstrations: forage mixtures   a) canary reed
    grass/bromegrass/orchardgrass/timothy/rye/berseem clover;
    b) perennial ryegrass/endophyte-free fescue/grazing
    alfalfa; c) maize for grazing followed by turnips for
    grazing; d) field pea/oat/rape/Alice whiteclover; e)
    Japanese millet; alfalfa vs. clover as underseeding for
    oats hay; plowing with pigs; running water lines over a
    hill; 12x20' "community sheds" for sows and piglets on
    pasture; in-field farrowing shelters using on-hand
    materials.
    3:00 P.M.  From Ebert farm, 1 mile W. on 120th St.
    From Waverly, take Hwy, V-14 north 2 miles past Horton. 
    W. on 120th St. 2¼ miles.  N. side, blue silo, back
    house.
    
  JULY 10   NORTHEAST IOWA
    Mike Natvig, 20074 Timber Ave., Cresco   52136
    (319) 569-8358
    In cooperation with University of Northern Iowa (Laura
    Jackson) and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (Kyle
    Swanson).
    With his parents Godfrey and Theodora, Mike farms 250
    acres of corn, soybeans, oats and hay.  The Natvigs
    farrow-to-finish about 700 hogs per year on pasture. 
    Their beef herd of 33 cows has been in an intensive
    rotational grazing system since 1988.  The pastures are
    dotted with mature trees from what originally was
    prairie-oak savannah.  The Natvigs recently established a
    windbreak, a new farm pond, and a native prairie
    planting.
    Demonstrations: pasture management (intensive rotational
    grazing, burning, etc.) on the historic Norman Borlaug
    family farm (with Kyle Swanson), establishment methods
    for a hazelnut windbreak/nut operation, managing native
    plants for grazing, re-creating the historical plant
    community of oak-savannah (with Laura Jackson),
    "succotash" (oats/wheat/barley/Canadian field pea) for
    green chop and grain.
    1:30 P.M. From Protivin take V-58 (Willow Ave.) 1+  miles
    north and west.  Where highway turns north again,
    continue W. 3 miles on 200th St.  S. side, at
    intersection of 200th and Timber Ave.
    
    Tom and Irene Frantzen, 1155 Jasper Ave., New Hampton  
    50659
    (515) 364-6426
    In cooperation with University of Northern Iowa (Laura
    Jackson) and ISU Agronomy.
    The Frantzens raise cattle, hogs, corn, soybeans, oats,
    forages, and alternative crops on 335 acres, of which 85
    is rented.  They have practiced holistic management since
    1992.  In 1997 they are implementing a low-investment
    expansion of their pork enterprise.
    Demonstrations: farm decisions tested against a
    three-part goal, fitting the farming to the land,
    non-chemical suppression of perennial weeds using crop
    rotations and other cultural practices, alternative
    feeding practices for swine, Japanese millet as
    short-term hay source, high-lysine corn for swine feed,
    palaton reed canary grass for permanent pasture,
    establishing warm-season grasses for grazing (third year,
    with Laura Jackson, UNI), transition to seasonal pork
    production using hoophouses and pasture/pen farrowing,
    multipurpose shelterbelt trees in a pasture-farrowing
    system, establishment methods for hazelnut production, a
     -mile CRP shelterbelt, 10-year review of practices and
    field days.
    4:00 P.M.  From the east: From Hwy. 63, 3 miles W. on
    Hwy. B-22 (110th St.), ½ mile S. on Jasper Ave.  W. side. 
    From the west: 3 miles E. of Alta Vista on B-22 (110th
    St.), ½ mile S. on Jasper Ave.  W. side.
    PORK BARBEQUE SUPPER
    
  JULY 12  NORTH CENTRAL IOWA
    Iowa Valley Community Supported Agriculture midsummer
    open-house
    (515) 847-3157 (contact: Jay Robinson)
    The Iowa Valley CSA is a new, 10-15-share
    community-supported agriculture (CSA) project in the Iowa
    Falls-Eldora area.  It grew out of a co-op buying club
    and local PFI members.  This CSA emphasizes fresh,
    locally grown organic produce.
    12:00 Doug Alert and Margaret Smith farm   transition to
    organic beef production using intensive rotational
    grazing
    1:00  Julie Forgy (Dows)   vegetable production,
    chickens
    2:00  Jay Robinson (Geneva)   biointensive vegetable
    production
    3:00  Londa Dawkins (Cleves)   vegetable production and
    market garden
    4:00  Deb Winkler (Iowa Falls)   vegetable production &
    market garden
    12:00 P.M.  From Hampton: 4 miles S. of Hwy 3 on Hwy 65,
    6¼ miles W. on gravel.  N. side.  From Dows exit of I-35:
    5 miles E. to stop sign, 1 mile N. on pavement to 110th
    St., E. 1  miles.  N. side.
    
  JULY 12  SOUTHEAST IOWA
    Organic Farmer Mentoring Program Field Tour
    Steven and Roxanne Hickenbottom and Ambrose Jaeger, RR 2,
    Fairfield   52556
    (515) 472-5710  (Or call the Rural Action coordinator,
    (515) 472-6177.)
    Steve is a mentor for the Organic Farmer Mentor Program
    and a leader in the promotion of organic farming. 
    Ambrose Jaeger is an apprentice in the program and is
    involved in banded crops and some organic farming.
    9:00 A.M.  From Fairfield, 4 miles W. on Hwy. 34.  S.
    side of road, after junction with Hwy. V-64 (to
    Libertyville) and before the railroad overpass.
    
  JULY 15 NORTH-CENTRAL IOWA
    Steve and Tara Beck-Brunk, Ron and LaDonna Brunk, 12789
    240th St., Eldora   50627
    (515) 858-3239
    Resource people: Les Lewis, Bob Gunnarson, ISU Entomology
    Dept.
    The 440-acre farm is presently in a corn-soybeans
    rotation.  As son Steve has worked into the operation,
    the farrow-to-finish hog operation has grown to 2,000
    head per year, which includes 500-600 cross-bred F1
    York-Hampshire gilts.
    Demonstrations: biological control of corn borer using an
    endophytic fungus (in cooperation with ISU Entomology),
    nitrogen management for corn on manured soils using the
    late-spring soil nitrate test and end-of-season stalk
    test, CRP wildlife shelterbelt using ninebark, lilac,
    crab apple, oak, walnut, and conifers.
    5:30 P.M.  From Eldora, go E. on 175 6½ miles past
    bridge.  From Grundy Center, 10 miles W. on Hwy 175.  N.
    side, long lane, "Lean Pork Lane" on mailbox.
    LIGHT SUPPER SERVED
    
  JULY 17   EAST-CENTRAL IOWA  
    New Melleray Abbey, Joe Fitzgerald, 6500 Melleray Circle,
    Peosta   52068
    (319) 588-2319
    Resource people: Joseph Munyaneza, ISU Entomology Dept;
    Mo Ghaffarzadeh, ISU Agronomy Dept.
    Joe Fitzgerald is farm manager for the New Melleray
    Abbey, which grows 2,000 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat,
    rye, oats, oil sunflowers, and some hay and leased
    pasture.  The farm has been owned and operated by
    Catholic monks since 1849.  The farm is presently
    exploring ways to reduce purchased chemicals and improve
    conservation.  Some land is organic with more acres in
    transition to organic certification.
    Demonstrations: ± reduced rates of postemerge herbicide
    in corn and soybeans, farm composting and use of compost
    as fertilizer for corn, flame cultivation in corn and in
    soybeans at emergence, management of alfalfa weevil and
    leafhopper using scouting and biological control, field
    border flaming for biological control of stalk borer
    (with ISU Entomology), Bt corn managed as a trap crop for
    corn borer, berseem clover interseeded into corn (with
    ISU Agronomy).
    10:00 A.M.  From Hwy 151 west of Dubuque, go NW (at sign
    for abbey) on Hwy D-41 (New Melleray Rd.), look for sign
    (on right).  Or: from Hwy. 20, take Peosta exit, S. 3
    miles to New Melleray Rd.
    REFRESHMENTS SERVED, DOOR PRIZES AWARDED
    
  JULY 19  SOUTHEAST IOWA
    Jeff and Gayle Olson, 2273 140th St., Winfield, 52659
    (319) 257-6967
    The Olsons farm 1,200 acres of corn, soybeans, and a
    little oats and hay, and they have a small cow-calf
    operation.
    Demonstrations: a cow-calf and feedlot finishing
    operation, feedlot runoff containment system with
    composting area and liquid collection for irrigation,
    oats following corn vs. oats following soybeans, beating
    stalkborers in strip intercropping, home-made deep bander
    and trial results.
    2:00 P.M.  From Swedesburg (10 miles N. of Mt. Pleasant
    on Hwy. 218) E. on gravel 3  miles.  Look for sign.
    
  JULY 20  CENTRAL IOWA
    Producer Tour   Magic Beanstalk CSA Shared Visions group
    Dick and Sharon Thompson, 2035 190th St., Boone 
    50036-7423
    (515) 432-1560
    The Thompsons' 300-acre farm uses 5-year and 6-year
    rotations to support a beef cow-calf herd and a
    farrow-to-finish hog operation.
    Demonstrations: Magic Beanstalk CSA is helping the
    Thompsons market beef and pork, which are raised without
    antibiotics or hormones.
    1:00 P.M.  From Ranch Drive-In on old Hwy 30 at west edge
    of Ames, go N. 4½ miles on R-38, W. 3½ miles on E-26, N.
    side. Two silos.
    
    Marilyn and Harold Andersen, Two Cedars Fibers, Route 2,
    Box 155, Story City   50248
    (515) 388-5501
    Demonstrations: The Andersens raise angora goats, and
    Magic Beanstalk CSA is helping them market ready-to-spin
    mohair, handspun yarns, and hand-woven blankets, shawls,
    mittens, and rugs.
    3:00 P.M.  Take Hwy 221 east 2.2 miles from I-35, S. on
    gravel 2¼ miles, west side.  Look for Two Cedars Fibers
    sign at farm.
    
    Connie and Mark Tjelmeland, TJ Family Farm, RR 1,
    McCallsburg    50154
    (515) 434-2440
    Demonstrations: The Tjelmelands farm about 600 acres, and
    Magic Beanstalk CSA is helping them market broilers that
    are raised on pasture without antibiotics.  They also
    keep laying hens and sell the eggs at several local
    outlets, and they will have stewing hens available in
    early fall for CSA members.
    4:00 P.M.  From the four-way stop in Roland, E. 5 miles
    on Hwy E-18 (or ½ mile W. of McCallsburg), N. ½ mile on
    gravel. West side. White house.
    
    Gary Huber, Onion Creek Farm, 3700 Onion Creek Lane, Ames 
    50014
    (515) 292-0322
    Demonstrations: Onion Creek Farm is a collaborative
    effort to use organic techniques to grow sweetcorn, green
    beans, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, onions, carrots, summer
    squash and winter squash for the 55-member Magic
    Beanstalk CSA.
    5:30 P.M.  From Tjelmeland's, go W. on E-18 through
    Roland to Hwy. 69.  S. on Hwy. 69 about 6 miles to
    Gilbert Corner.  W. on E-23 through Gilbert to G.W.Carver
    Ave. (R-50) just W. of Gilbert.  S. 3 miles on R-50 to
    Cameron School Rd.  W. 1 mile on Cameron to North Dakota. 
    S. on North Dakota 1½ miles to Onion Creek Lane.  E.
    side, follow signs.
    LIGHT SUPPER SERVED
    
  JULY 23  NORTHEAST IOWA  
    In cooperation with Northeast Iowa Demonstration Project
    (John Rodecap).
    Jeff Klinge and Deb Tidwell, RR 1, Box 101, Farmersburg 
    52047
    (319) 536-2314
    Jeff and Deb run a 700-800-head-per-year feeding
    operation for holstein steers.  About two-thirds of their
    300 acres is in corn, with the remainder alfalfa.
    Demonstrations: malting barley production and marketing,
    managing potato leafhopper and alfalfa weevil with field
    scouting, cultural practices, and biological controls
    (with ISU Entomology), organic corn production (first
    year of certification), growing sweetcorn for farmers'
    market.
    10:00 A.M.  From the intersection of Hwys 13 and 52, go
    southwest on 13.  First farm, NW side of road.
    LIGHT LUNCH SERVED
    
    Dan Specht, RR 1, McGregor   52157
    (319) 873-3873
    The 500-acre farm includes 180 acres of organically
    certified crop land devoted to pasture, corn, barley, and
    hay.  Fifty holstein heifers and about 70 beef calves are
    rotationally grazed.  An additional 100 acres is wooded. 
    Dan is a member of CROPP, the Coulee River Organic
    Produce Pool, a marketing cooperative.
    Demonstrations: management-intensive grazing of beef
    yearlings in 1) released CRP, 2) warm season grasses,
    native prairie legumes with grazing potential, a 4,000-ft
    gravity water line, diatomaceous earth ± ivomectin for
    internal parasites, cooperative marketing of beef from
    organic farms.
    1:00 P.M.  From the west side of Marquette, take Hwy B-45
    (Pleasant Ridge Rd.) W. 2 miles.  From Monona, take B-45
    E. 10 miles.  At PFI sign, take long lane to S.
    
  JULY 24   SOUTHWEST IOWA 
    Audubon Graziers
    Jim and Mary Bradford, RR 3, Guthrie Center  50115
    (515) 747-2578
    Pasture Walk and Supper.
    6:00 P.M.  13 miles E. of Hamlin on Hwy. 44.  8½ miles W.
    of Guthrie Center on Hwy. 44.  "Brad-Z Ranch" sign.
    LIGHT SUPPER SERVED
    For more information about the Audubon Graziers, call
    (712) 563-4084.
    
  JULY 26   SOUTH CENTRAL IOWA
    Mark and Julie Roose, 1504 133rd St., Pella   50219
    (515) 625-4227
    The Rooses farm 350 acres (295 tillable), raising corn,
    soybeans, barley, and hay.  They have a 50-sow
    farrow-to-finish operation, a small beef feedlot, and a
    40-head beef cow herd.
    Demonstrations: biological control of alfalfa weevil and
    potato leafhopper, beginning intensive rotational grazing
    with beef cow-calf herd, hoophouse hog production (at the
    farm of John and Mary Roose), diversified farming
    demonstration.
    1:00 P.M.  From Sully exit (#173) of I-80, take Hwy. T22
    S. and Hwy. F62 E. to Sully.  From ¼ mile E. of Sully, go
    S. on Hwy. T33 8-9 miles (through Peoria) to Hwy. 102., 1
    mile E. on 102 to 1st gravel (Elba Ave.), 1 mile N. on
    Elba.  Gold (2nd) house on E. side.  From Pella, 8 miles
    E. of Vermeer plant on Hwy. 102 to Elba Ave., then same
    as above.
    
  JULY 28-29   NORTHEAST IOWA
    Prairie Pastures: Native Plants and Wildlife for
    Rotational Grazing Systems.  Laura Jackson, University of
    Northern Iowa
    This two-day workshop in a biologically rich region of
    Iowa will bring together scientists and farmers to share
    their experiences integrating agriculture and native
    species.
    Day 1 (from Mike Natvig farm, Cresco.  Program begins at
    9:00 A.M.): prairie pasture establishment and use,
    production and quality, experimental prairie forages,
    frost seeding/identifying seedlings, making pasture
    attractive to birds, oak savannah pasture management,
    fencing materials for rotational grazing, wetland
    restoration, caravan to Hayden Prairie.
    Day 2 (morning only.  Program begins at 8:00 A.M.):
    caravan to Matt and Diana Stewart farm (Oelwein), Vic
    Collins farm (Oelwein), native grass demonstration plot
    (Jim Ranum, NRCS).
    From Protivin take V-58 (Willow Ave.) 1+  miles north and
    west.  Where highway turns north again, continue W. 3
    miles on 200th St.  S. side, at intersection of 200th and
    Timber Ave. (Natvig farm).
    Preregistration is encouraged.  Contact Laura Jackson,
    University of
    Northern Iowa, Department of Biology, McCollum Science
    Hall 2438, Cedar Falls, IA   50614-0421, or call (319)
    266-5468, or (319) 273-2705, jacksonl@uni.edu.
    
  AUG 15   NORTHWEST IOWA
    Paul and Karen Mugge, 6190 470th St., Sutherland   51058
    (712) 446-2414
    (With: Michael Ellsbury, USDA-ARS Northern Grain Insects
    Laboratory; Joel DeJong, ISU Extension; John Obrycki, ISU
    Entomology Dept.)
    The Mugges raise corn, soybeans, and some oats on their
    320 acres of land.  They also take part in a networked
    farrow-to-finish hog operation.
    Demonstrations: manure and nitrogen rates for corn (with
    ISU Extension), composting hog carcasses using existing
    facilities, construction of a hoophouse for finishing
    hogs, field cropping vs. narrow strip intercropping
    (corn-beans-oats and corn-soybeans), practices to prevent
    rootworm migration in strip intercropping (with
    USDA-ARS), grasshopper management in strip intercropping
    (with ISU Entomology), economics of crop rotations,
    soybeans after ± deep-banded P & K in corn, growing
    herbicide-free soybeans for specialty tofu market.
    8:30 A.M.  Hwy 10, 3  miles W. of Sutherland, N. side.
    
    Colin and Carla Wilson, Dan and Lorna Wilson, 5482 450th
    St., Paullina  51046
    (712) 448-2708
    The Wilsons farm 800 acres of corn, soybeans, barley, and
    hay.  They farrow 2,400 hogs a year, half of which are
    farrowed on pasture.  Seventy-five percent of the hogs
    are custom finished by a neighbor, and the rest by the
    Wilsons.  They are experimenting with the Tamworth breed
    in their cross breeding program.
    Demonstrations: beginning 2nd year with a Swedish-style,
    deep-bedded farrowing and nursery building, hoophouse for
    breeding and gestating sows, pasture farrowing,
    double-row vs. single-row soybeans on 38" ridges.
    10:30 A.M.  From Paullina, go 1 mile W. on Hwy 10, 1 mile
    N. on Polk Ave., ¼ mile W.  North side, red buildings,
    white house (Colin and Carla's).
    LIGHT LUNCH SERVED
    
    Agriculture Stewardship Center, Dordt College, Sioux
    Center  51250
    (712) 722-6285
    (With: Doug Buhler, Keith Kohler and Madonna Foster,
    National Soil Tilth Lab; Charles Brummer and Mo
    Ghaffarzadeh, ISU Agronomy Dept.)
    The Agriculture Stewardship Center provides teaching,
    work-study, research and outreach opportunities.
    Demonstrations: rotational grazing for dairy heifers, ±
    Bt gene in corn vs. inexpensive hybrid, ± waxy gene in
    corn, ± Roundup-Ready  soybeans in 36" rows vs. drilled
    soybeans, annual medic cover crop nursery (with Charles
    Brummer, ISU), brassica, berseem clover, and annual medic
    smother crops for weed management in corn (with Soil
    Tilth Lab), berseem clover green manure trial (with Mo
    Ghaffarzadeh, ISU), medics vs. herbicide for in-row weed
    control in corn, results of 1996 cover crop trial, ag
    lime vs. pell lime for alfalfa on acid soil.
    1:30 P.M.  Hwy 75 N. 2 miles from last stop light in
    Sioux Center, turn E. at sign for Stewardship Ctr., go ½
    mile, turn right at first lane.  Meet in dairy
    observation room.
    REFRESHMENTS SERVED
    
  AUG 19  NORTHEAST IOWA
    Steve and June Weis, 2191 440th St., Osage  50461
    (515) 737-2566
    Steve and June raise corn, soybeans, oats and hay on
    1,000 acres.  They also maintain a 200-sow
    farrow-to-finish operation, finishing in a variety of
    systems, and they raise 1,400 veal calves per year.  The
    operation is a family farm corporation between Steve, his
    father, and two brothers.
    Demonstration: One year's experience finishing in three
    hoohouses (labor, feed consumption, gain, slaughter
    checks), rations for  hoophouse production.  (Experienced
    hoophouse producers will also offer their insights on the
    kinds of operations where hoop structures fit best.)
    1:30 P.M.  From Osage, 7 miles N. on Hwy. 218.  On a
    curve, turn N. onto Monument Ave.  1 mile N. and E. on
    Monument.  1 mile N. on March Ave. to "T" intersection. 
    W. on 440th St.  First place, N. side.
    
  AUG 21   EAST-CENTRAL IOWA
    David and Lisa Lubben, 24539 Hwy 38, Monticello   52310
    (319) 465-4717
    With assistance from Virgil Schmitt, Extension crops
    field specialist.
    About half of the 1,200 acres the Lubbens farm is devoted
    to row crops.  The remainder grows alfalfa hay or
    bromegrass for pasture.  Intensive rotational grazing is
    used with the 100 stock cows, and the Lubbens run a
    250-head feedlot for finishing.
    Demonstrations: corn nitrogen management on manured soil,
    corn ± the Bt gene, ± "beaver tail" seed firmers in
    conventionally planted corn, drilled soybeans vs. 18"
    rows.
    10:00-12:00 A.M.  From Monticello, 3 miles N. on Hwy 38. 
    3rd house (look for PFI sign).
    REFRESHMENTS SERVED
    
  AUG 25  NORTH CENTRAL IOWA
    Dennis and Eve Abbas, 1038 180th St., Hampton  50441
    (515) 579-6421
    Dennis and Eve raise corn, soybeans, oats and hay on 320
    acres, and they have used ridge tillage for 14 years. 
    They market certified organic soybeans and corn and
    pesticide-free soybeans.  In addition, they
    farrow-to-finish about 500 hogs per year and raise some
    beef as well.
    Demonstrations: organic soybean and corn production
    practices, preparing for finishing and farrowing in
    hoophouses.
    1:30 P.M.  From Hampton, 4 miles W. on Hwy. 3 to Kildeer
    Ave., 3 miles N. on 180th St., ½ mile W. on gravel.  N.
    side, white house, red buildings.
    
    Fritz and Dawn Groszkruger, RR 1, Box 42, Dumont, IA  
    50625
    (515) 456-5524
    The Groszkrugers raise corn, soybeans and oats for seed
    and hay on 300 acres.  They have used ridge tillage for
    18 years.  They farrow-to finish hogs and sell 800 pigs
    per year from 42 sows.  A new addition to the farm is a
    13-head beef cow herd.
    Demonstration: getting started with a hoophouse finishing
    facility.
    (Please leave your chore clothes and boots at home to
    visit this hog facility.)
    4:00 P.M.  From Hampton N. on Hwy. 65 to Hwy. C-25, 7
    miles E. to Warbler Ave.  N. 1/8 mile.  E. side.
    
  AUG 28   SOUTHWEST IOWA
    Neely-Kinyon Research Farm, Greenfield  50849
    (515) 743-8412 (Adair County Extension office)
    With support from the Wallace Foundation for Rural
    Research and Development, Shared Visions, and the
    livestock, crops, and educational committees of the
    Neely-Kinyon Farm.
    Wayne and Margaret Neely donated their farm near
    Greenfield to the Wallace Foundation for use in research
    and demonstrations.  The Neely-Kinyon Farm is one of
    several community satellite farms around the ISU
    Armstrong Research Farm.
    Demonstrations: 15" vs. 30" corn rows, corn breeding
    demonstration (white, high-protein, high-oil, and
    historic hybrids), chicken manure ± synthetic N for corn,
    ± Amisorb  for corn and soybeans, economics of tofu
    specialty soybeans vs. conventional variety and
    marketing, weed changes over time in Roundup-Ready  corn
    and soybeans vs. conventional varieties, Roundup-Ready 
    soybean variety trial (with Adair Co. Soybean Assn.), hay
    protection methods, stockpiled forage and cornstalks for
    winter grazing (with ISU Animal Science and ISU Agronomy
    Depts.), berseem clover management (with ISU Agronomy
    Dept.), interseeding species for pasture improvement,
    product evaluation for pasture Canadian thistle control,
    wildflower planting.
    4:00 P.M.  From Greenfield 1½ mile S. on Hwy. 25.  E.
    side.  Start at building site, which is ½ mile E. of Hwy.
    25, for displays.
    LIGHT SUPPER IN MACHINE SHED
    
  SEPT 2   NORTHEAST IOWA
    John and Pam Cowles, RR 2, Box 90, Bloomfield   52537
    (515) 675-3414
    The Cowles' have 180 acres in permanent pasture, with
    another 370 acres in crop rotation.  Eighty acres of the
    pasture is used by a 45-head Jersey dairy herd.  The
    Cowles renovated a barn on their home place to begin
    milking cows in 1995.  They describe the farm as in
    transition from row crop and beef cow production to dairy
    utilizing old permanent pasture and new seeding alfalfa
    and alfalfa/grass.
    Demonstrations: grazing-based dairy, alfalfa for
    mid-summer grazing, intensive grazing management setup
    using permanent electric fencing, two ponds with a pump,
    hydrants and temporary lines, double-five
    herringbone-style milking parlor.
    1:00 P.M.  From Bloomfield, 6½ miles E. on Hwy. 2.  From
    Milton, 8½ miles W. on Hwy. 2.  At "IMO Camp" sign on Hwy.
    2, take gravel S. 1½ miles.  E. side.
    REFRESHMENTS SERVED
    
  SEPT 4   SOUTHWEST IOWA  
    Ron and Maria Rosmann and sons, 1222 Ironwood Rd., Harlan 
    51537
    (712) 627-4653
    (With support from Nelson Farm Supply)
    The Rosmanns raise oats, corn, soybeans, rye, turnips,
    barley, alfalfa and pasture on their 480-acre farm.  The
    farm is certified organic, and the Rosmanns are seeking
    certification for their cow herd.  They farrow 800
    Tamworth-Berkshire hogs annually, and they maintain a
    cow-calf herd of 90 cows.  They also raise broilers and
    operate a small nursery featuring container-grown and
    field-grown trees, all for local sales.
    Demonstrations: soybean weed management in conventional
    tillage vs. ridge-till, grazing for a cow-calf herd using
    cool season and warm season grasses, Baldridge grazing
    maize, turnips and other short-term forages in a
    30-paddock system, demonstration of diatomaceous earth
    for internal parasites of cattle, report on study of
    alfalfa in hog finishing rations, two varieties of
    clear-hilum specialty organic soybeans, high-oil corn
    production for cattle feed.
    4:30 P.M.  rain or shine  From intersection of Hwy. 59
    and 44 in Harlan, 2 miles W. on Hwy. 44, then N. 2¼ 
    miles on Ironwood Rd., W. side.
    LIGHT SUPPER SERVED
    
  SEPT 10   NORTHEAST IOWA
    Matt and Diana Stewart, 15434 25th St., Oelwein   50662
    (319) 283-1337
    In cooperation with Northeast Iowa Demonstration Project
    (John Rodecap).
    Two hundred acres of the 380-acre farm is in grass, the
    rest is in corn and alfalfa.  The 100-cow registered
    Holstein herd and 100 of the 140 heifers are on pasture. 
    The Stewarts are working to combine traditional and
    seasonal dairying, optimizing forage quality through
    grazing, and focusing on the bottom line.
    Demonstrations: strategies for late summer and fall
    grazing, season of calving study (with John Rodecap),
    pasture mix changes over time, survey of birds in a 1995
    pasture biodiversity study, grazing warm season grasses,
    pasture improvement with fairly high rates of liquid
    dairy manure and liquid-seeding of ladino clover from
    Holland and canarygrass.  Also this year: 20 acres of
    spring-planted annual ryegrass and 2 acres of Forage
    Feast  chicory.
    1:00 P.M.  From Oelwein, 1 mile S. on Hwy. W-19 (Outer
    Rd.).  NE corner of  W-19 and 25th St.
    
  SEPT 11   CENTRAL IOWA rain or shine
    With the Henry A. Wallace Institute for Alternative
    Agriculture.
    Richard and Sharon Thompson, 2035 190th St., Boone  
    50036-7423
    (515) 432-1560
    Resource people: Michael Duffy, ISU Extension Economics;
    George Beran, ISU Vet. Med. School; Charles Brummer, ISU
    forage breeder; James Holland, ISU small grains breeder;
    Rick Exner, PFI/ISU Extension coordinator.
    The 300-acre farm is chiefly in 5-year and 6-year
    rotations.  The farm also supports a beef cow-calf and
    farrow-to-finish hog operation.  Most of the crop land is
    devoted to on-farm research.
    Demonstrations: new cow shed with concrete foundation and
    walls,  concrete sow feeders and snow problems, results
    from A-frame farrowing isolit, second year of Austree
    windbreak, new modifications of Buffalo ridge-till
    planter, rotary hoe wheel repair with bolts, double-throw
    ridges in soybeans, manure dump box, manure/biosolids
    storage, corncob and lime shed, intensive rotational
    grazing pasture walk, liner under crushed rock cattle
    lane.
    Discussions: moldboard plowing/rye cover crop, tub
    grinding cornstalks and hay for beef cows, economics of
    cropping systems, problems with "guess rows," pathogen
    control through cleaning, bedding and liming, oats in
    rotations and rations, recycling farm buildings.
    2:00 P.M. until dark following ISU Agronomy Day 
    (No charge.  The 1997 research report will be
    complimentary.)
    The Thompson farm is 4 miles north of the ISU Agronomy
    Day site.  Or: Hwy. 30 to Hwy 17.  Take Hwy. 17 N. about
    4 miles to Hwy. E-26.  Go E. 1½ miles.  N. side, two
    silos.
    LIGHT SUPPER SERVED
    
  SEPT 13   SOUTHWEST IOWA
    Kenneth Rosmann, 1240 Ironwood Rd., Harlan   51537   
    (712) 627-4217
    In cooperation with Heartland Organic Co-op, ISU
    Extension, and ISU Agronomy Department.
    The 510-acre farm has been in transition to organic
    production since 1983 and was certified organic in 1991. 
    Crop land is in a five-year rotation.  The 70-unit
    cow-calf herd rotationally grazes in a 12-paddock system.
    Demonstrations: purchased turkey manure vs. on-farm
    cattle manure for corn production (with ISU Extension),
    specialty "tofu" soybean variety trial (with ISU Agronomy
    Dept.), developing markets for organic oats and corn,
    diversified farming.
    3:00 P.M.  From intersection of Hwy. 59 and 44 in Harlan,
    2 miles W. on Hwy. 44, then N. 2   miles on Ironwood Rd.,
    W. side, long driveway.
    
  SEPT 14   SOUTHEAST IOWA
    Tom Wahl and Kathy Dice, 13882 I Ave, Wapello  52653-9449
    (319) 729-5905
    With Farms Forever Shared Visions and PFI Sustainable
    Projects.
    Fifty-three of the farm's 55 hilly acres are in timber,
    primarily young oak and walnut.  Tom and Kathy also keep
    dairy goats, sheep, and chickens.
    Agroforestry Demonstration: fruit- and nut-bearing trees
      grafted varieties of chestnut, black walnut, Persian
    ("English") walnut, heartnut (a sport of Japanese walnut),
    pecan, hican (pecan-hickory crosses), shellbark and
    shagbark hickory, persimmon and pawpaw.  Also evaluated:
    seedling strains of hybrid hazelnut, nut pines (Korean
    pine, Swiss stone pine), and ginko.
    2:00 P.M.  From Burlington: Hwy. 61 N. to Hwy. 252.  E.
    to 4-way stop in Grandview.  S. 1½ miles.  "Chestnut
    Acres" sign on left side (across from large white house
    on right).
    From Muscatine: Hwy. 61 S. to ½ mile past Hwy. 252
    intersection.  1½ miles E. and S.  "Chestnut Acres" sign
    on left side.
    From Iowa City: Hwy 218 S. to Ainsworth.  E. on Hwy. 92
    to Hwy. 61.  S. ½ mile on Hwy. 61.  1½ miles E. and S. 
    "Chestnut Acres" sign on left side.
    REFRESHMENTS SERVED
  

****************************************************************************
Rick (Derrick N.) Exner
		PFI Farming Systems Coordinator

		ISU Extension
		Practical Farmers of Iowa

	2104 Agronomy Hall, ISU, Ames, IA   50011
	(515) 294-1923, -9985 fax