Dr. Karla Gage to Keynote April Nutrient Stewardship Field Day

As part of Clinton County Farm Bureau’s (CFB) 2025 Nutrient Stewardship Grant project, we are looking forward to hearing from Dr. Karla Gage, Associate Professor of Weed Science and Plant Biology at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, at our April 26^th Nutrient Stewardship Field Day.

Dr. Gage’s presentation will focus on maximizing the benefits of cover crops for weed suppression.  Dr. Gage commented that “Integrated Weed Management (IWM) is becoming more important as weeds like water hemp develop new herbicide resistances.  Cover crops are a valuable weed management tool but also present their own management challenges.”

Topics such as cover crop termination timing and planting green, the interaction of cover crop residues and pre-emergence herbicides, and herbicide carryover concerns will be presented.  The Field Day will also include a tour of cover crop mixes and early planted beans in standing covers.  On-site demonstrations will include a look at water infiltration, “planting green”, forage and soil sampling, and more.

Be sure to join us at Sugar Creek Valley Farms in Aviston from 10 a.m. to noon on April 26^th to learn about cover crop research in Clinton County and get the latest producer insights regarding cover crops and nutrient management strategies.  Lunch will follow the event, and eligible producers can also be entered into a drawing to subsidize 40-acres worth of cover crop seed expenses to get them started on their own regenerative journey in the Fall of 2025.

More information is available by contacting the Clinton CFB office or checking out our website at www.clintoncofb.org. 

Registration is requested by Wednesday, April 23^rd by contacting the Farm Bureau office or completing the online registration form available HERE.