DORRANCE — Kansas State University extension specialists and agents will host a field day May 17 in Dorrance, focusing on using cover crops to meet forage needs and to complement rangelands, especially during drought. The free event will begin at 4:30 p.m.

The event will offer expert advice to producers about dryland cropping systems and how covers can be used for grazing and integrated livestock. The field day will include both discussion and demonstrations.

It will be hosted by a local producer and a light meal will be provided to participants.

Organizers say the exceptional drought conditions in many Kansas counties make using cover crops more difficult but not impossible.

“We want to take this opportunity to demonstrate how these crops can not only improve soil health and water quality, but also how producers can manage grazing covers in water-limited systems,” said Stacie Minson, K-State Research and Extension watershed specialist.

The field day is sponsored by Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds, North Central SARE and the Midway Extension District. Speakers from K-State will include experts on soil science, cropping systems and horticulture.

“We want to take this opportunity to demonstrate how these crops can not only improve soil health and water quality, but also how producers can manage grazing covers in waterlimited systems”

Stacie Minson

K-State Research and Extension watershed specialist