AGRICULTURE
Cover Crop Incorporation Workshop Builds Knowledge Across Experience Levels
Farmers learning about cover crop incorporation during the April field day at NWREC.
Demonstrating a spader for farmers during the equipment showcase. (Photo by: Talia Levy)
On April 9, twenty-six farmers and agricultural professionals gathered at OSU’s North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC) in Aurora to explore strategies for effective cover crop incorporation in vegetable production. The half-day workshop was a collaboration among OSU Extension’s Clackamas County Small Farms Program, the statewide OSU Small Farms Program, and the OSU Organic Agriculture Program.
Participants examined twelve cover crop species and three seed mixes, comparing growth characteristics and management strategies. Although wet spring conditions prevented in-field demonstrations, attendees engaged in in- depth discussions on soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient dynamics.
Presenters Heidi Noordijk, Nick Andrews and Nathan Stacey led sessions alongside experienced local farmers, including Jim Bronec from Praying Mantis Farm in Canby, and others, who shared insights from their own production systems. These producers shared practical observations from their own operations, helping participants consider how different incorporation methods function in various production systems.
The event highlighted how NWREC field demonstrations, OSU research, and farmer experience intersect to improve soil health and strengthen Oregon’s vegetable farming community.
Farmers learning about cover crop incorporation during the April field day at NWREC. (Photo by: Talia Levy)