CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — If engagement in field days this summer is any measure, farmer interest in protecting the well-being of land through the use of cover crops and other practices is strong and growing.

The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) wrapped up its summer field days promoting cropping systems that improve soil health. More than 20 events took place in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Nebraska. Farmers, conservation leaders, equipment companies and others demonstrated how changing conservation practices, such as adding cover crops, conservation tillage and improving nutrient use efficiency, can create lasting environmental benefits while potentially increasing farm productivity and income.

Nick Goeser, director of the SHP, said average participation in the events has at least doubled from what the organization saw last year. "The Soil Health Partnership’s primary mission is in data collection, but farmers talking to farmers and sharing what they know with their network is a critical element of our long-term success."

Dialogue at the field days often includes questions about how to select the best cover crops, shade tolerance of cover crops, how long it takes to get started, technical questions about strip-till and equipment capabilities.

Greg Whitmore hosted an event on his farm in Shelby, Neb., in September. After experimenting with cover crops for 10 years, he joined the partnership in 2014 to improve his understanding of cover and the benefits.

Whitmore said cover crops are definitely starting to take off: "I see them on my neighbors’ farms more and more."

An initiative of the National Corn Growers Assoc., SHP works closely with diverse organizations. Learn more at www.soilhealthpartnership.org