2026 Summer Field Days with Practical Farmers of Iowa
IEC is partnering with Practical Farmers of Iowa to co-host two field days this summer.
Every year, Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) hosts field days across the Midwest to promote sustainable agriculture, livestock management, and ecosystem services. All PFI field days are free for anyone to attend; membership in PFI is not required or expected.
Not a farmer? That’s okay, you’re invited too! If you’re an eater, consumer, researcher, friend-of-farmer, policymaker, neighbor, or simply curious about agriculture – everyone has a role to play in supporting resilient farms and communities.
All PFI events occur rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and the terrain. Many field days include walking through tall grasses or fields, around equipment, and in a range of weather conditions. Learn more about field days on PFI's website.
Tuesday, August 4, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cleaning Water with Edge-of-Field Practices for Watersheds and Wildlife
Jim O'Connell and his son, Casey, specialize in corn and soybeans at O'Connell Farms in Linn County, Iowa. For the past 17 years, Jim has planted cover crops green into both corn and beans on all his acres. His farming practices are focused on reducing nitrates from water that leaves his land. He uses a variety of edge-of-field practices, like bioreactors and saturated buffers. He also has a 1.8-acre wetland. These practices have helped Jim cut nitrogen leaving his land by 70% – and recently earned him a Water Warrior award from the nonprofit Wings2Water.
Jim also works closely with the city of Cedar Rapids to monitor water quality and with Iowa State University to monitor biodiversity on their farm and wetland. Join Jim and Casey as they show how they improve water quality within their watershed.
rsvp WITH PRACTICAL FARMERS OF iOWA
Saturday, August 15, 9:00 - 11:00 am
Restoring Oxbows to Improve Water Quality on Farms: The Example of White Fox Creek
In 2018, Selden Spencer purchased farmland along White Fox Creek in Hamilton County, Iowa. The 100-acre property, previously owned by Ray Fry, is a mixture of cropland, woodland, ravines and riparian corridors. Ray still manages the property today. Before he sold the land, Ray worked diligently alongside The Nature Conservancy to restore an oxbow along the creek. These U-shaped former stream bends remain one of the most effective ways to improve water quality on agricultural land.
Selden and Ray recognize the importance of oxbows and work together to maintain it. They also have plans for future conservation projects. At this field day, be prepared to walk on uneven ground as Selden shares how oxbows help Iowa's water quality and habitat. Bring a lawn chair for opening introductions as seating will be limited.
rsvp WITH PRACTICAL FARMERS OF iOWA