This project is aimed toward farmers in Allamakee County to educate and demonstrate the benefits of cover crops, extended rotations using small grains, and no-till, especially on acres that have had manure application, in order to reduce nutrient and soil loss as well as improve soil health. Through educational means including field days, one-on-one exchange, demonstration sites, signage, and news articles, farmers in the area will have various means to learn about conservation farming practices in order to adopt them on their farmland.
Sara Berges has worked at the Allamakee County Soil and Water Conservation District since January 2010. She has served as the coordinator of several watershed projects as well as the conservation lease project. She is the website developer for the allamakeeswcd.org website. Her educational background includes a B.A. in Biology from Central College and a M.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Iowa State University.
Email: sara.berges@ia.nacdnet.net