The discussion of cover crops will take center stage at the 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show during a series of free workshops designed to educate farmers, Certified Crop Advisors, farm managers and landowners. The event takes place at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on Jan. 28-30.

“We continue to see great interest from farmers in adding cover crops to their farming operation,” said Iowa Secretary of State Bill Northey, “Cover crops can help farmers manage nutrients, reduce soil erosion and enhance water quality.”

Bill will be speaking at the workshops on Jan. 29. and seeded cover crops on his farm last fall.

Cover crops have been implemented into the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy statewide. Farmers are seeing the benefits and seeking advice about how to choose, seed and terminate cover crops. The workshops will cover five “core” overview sessions and four “in-depth” sessions during the farm show.

The overview sessions will include: How cover crops reduce erosion, manage nutrients and improve profitability; choosing the best cover crops for corn, soybeans and livestock; five popular seeding methods; how and when to terminate cover crops; and making cover crops work with livestock.

The in-depth sessions include: Aerial application; high-clearance seeding into standing corn and soybeans; troubleshooting; and the pros and cons of three popular cover crops.

A total of 45 one-hour sessions will be offered over the three days of workshops. Sessions run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday. Seating is on a “first come, first-served” basis. For a complete list of workshops and additional show information, please visit www.iowapowershow.com.