July 25, 2013

Farmers interested in learning more about cover crops, including good picks for eastern Nebraska, can attend the UNL Extension Cover Crop and Organic Farm Tour Aug. 17.

Participants also will learn more about adding a cover crop to their rotation, integrating it into a weed management program, and reducing input costs. Cover crops reduce soil moisture evaporation, build soil nutrients, and can reduce the need to buy hay.

The tour begins at 1 p.m. at the Bernard and Sharon Kavan farm, 2890 Road 30, which is east of Linwood south at Road 30.

The Kavans have been farming organically since the 1970s. A hayrack ride will be given to show the biodynamic farm approach to raising crops and life-time commitment to building soil fertility through legumes and livestock. Refreshments will be provided.

At 2:30, participants will drive nine miles to Larry Stanislav's farm, 4291 Road W (two miles north of Abie). Stanislav has been using green manure and cover crops for more than 25 years.

He will talk about his crop rotation of corn, soybean, spring wheat, green manure/cover crops and alfalfa. He will discuss his UNL on-farm research projects: use of a roller crimper and weed flamer to manage weeds and a three year Nutrient Management Study that evaluated his system of green manure/cover crop and animal manure use.

At 4:30, the tour will drive five miles south to Mike and Karen Ostry's farm, 2281 Spur 12-B (1/2 mile north of Bruno).

A handicap accessible wagon ride will be available to tour organic field crops, cover crops, large organic garden and on-farm livestock processing facility. Ostry will discuss their direct marketing of chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, hogs and cattle. Antique farm demonstrations will be held. Families are welcome.

A free meal will start at 5:30 p.m. Music will be provided by the Ostry Family.

Call 402-584-3837 to make a meal reservation.

This tour is sponsored by Nebraska Chapter #1 Organic Crop Improvement Association.

For more information about the tour, organic production, or certification call 402-620-2701 or email ociane1@yahoo.com.

Sandi Alswager Karstens
IANR News