Agriculture and conservation professionals, farmers, landowners and students are invited to attend a regional training focused on the science, management and soil health benefits of integrating livestock into farming systems. The two-day workshop, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in collaboration with the Soil Health Nexus, will be held Oct. 22–23 at the Alliant Energy Ag Innovation Lab in Ames.

Catherine DeLong, water quality program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach and event co-planner, said the training will give attendees an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the connections between livestock and soil health.

“Maximizing biodiversity is a core principle of soil health, and integrating livestock into the land is one impactful way to work toward that goal,” she said.

Additionally, conservation field specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach and event co-planner Ethan Thies shared the event’s benefits for attendees.

“Agriculture and conservation professionals, farmers and landowners will find value in this training through learning how to incorporate livestock into cropping systems to improve the soil resources that connect these groups,” Thies said.

Workshop highlights include:

• Presentations from expert speakers representing Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Kansas
• Outdoor classroom sessions on soil interpretation and use of soil health tools and apps
• Interactive planning exercises for cover crops, extended rotations and forage crops
• Real-world insights from Iowa farmers who have integrated livestock into their operations

Participants who complete the workshop can earn up to four Soil and Water Management and two Crop Management Continuing Education Units.

Those interested in attending the workshop must register online by Oct. 15. The cost is $75 for two days and $50 for one day. After Oct. 10, fees increase to $99 for two days and $60 for one day.

For more information, including a full program agenda, featured speakers and lodging recommendations, visit Soil Health and Livestock: Above and below ground benefits of livestock on the land, or contact Catherine DeLong at crdelong@iastate.edu or Ethan Thies at ethies@iastate.edu.