Conservation on Tap

Iowa Learning Farms to Host Conservation On Tap Event in Altoona

Casual gathering will provide local farmers, landowners and interested Iowans with an opportunity to listen, share and learn about conservation topics with peers and experts at Iowa State University

AMES, Iowa – Iowa Learning Farms will host a “Conservation On Tap” event on Thursday, Mar. 19, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Brightside Aleworks in Altoona. The event, which is available at no cost, will provide local farmers, landowners and urban residents with a chance to discuss and ask questions. There will be an opportunity for networking following the event.

“Our intent with this event is to help build community through encouraging farmers, landowners and urban residents to talk about topics important within the community — what keeps them up at night, what challenges they see with conservation practices and what they want to learn more about,” said Liz Ripley, Iowa Learning Farms conservation and cover crop outreach specialist. “There will be no formal presentations or agenda, just a chance to talk, ask questions, listen and learn while enjoying a beverage and provided food. We are looking forward to learning alongside everyone else who attends.”

Event hosts include Ripley, as well as Matt Helmers, Iowa Nutrient Research Center Director, and Mark Licht, associate professor and cropping systems specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. Andrew Frana, founder and co-owner of Brightside Aleworks, will begin the discussion by highlighting the importance of water quality in the brewing process.

To ensure adequate space and food, please RSVP by Mar. 12 by calling 515-294-5429 or contacting ilf@iastate.edu.

To learn more about planned field days, virtual field days, webinars, and other conservation events, please visit the Iowa Learning Farms Events webpage.

About Iowa Learning Farms

Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program, and Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture.