Approximately 50 Attend Spring Nutrient Stewardship Field D

As part of Clinton County Farm Bureau’s (CFB) 2025 Nutrient Stewardship Grant project, we were happy to welcome approximately 50 people to Sugar Creek Valley Farms on April 26th to learn more about local research and efforts happening in Clinton County.  Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Karla Gage, Associate Professor of Weed Science and Plant Biology at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. 

Dr. Gage’s presentation focused 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 were presented.  The Field Day also included a plot tour of fall-planted cover crop varieties and mixes, a review and discussion around necessary equipment upgrades, and forage and soil sampling were also demonstrated. 

Eligible producers that attended were also entered into a drawing for 40-acres worth of cover crop seed expenses to get them started on their own regenerative journey in the Fall of 2025.  Congratulations to Paul Huelsmann from Aviston for being drawn as the winner from April’s Field Day! 

Be sure to join us at our final Field Day on July 26th to learn more about nutrient stewardship efforts and research in Clinton County and additional opportunities for 40 acres worth of cover crop incentives. 

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