Co-sponsored with Penn State University, the Rodale Institute, USDA-NRCS, and the USDA Northeast Region SARE

This field day will utilize Cedar Meadow Farm's successful "Permanent Cover Cropping System" as a backdrop for a variety of related talks. Experts from Penn State University, The Rodale Institute, and the USDA will be on hand to provide cutting edge information on integrating cover crop use and no-tillage production. Participants will have the opportunity to view equipment demonstrations for no-till, including the new "roller/crimper" technology. Discussion will also include different cover crop management techniques that may enhance beneficial organism populations, including populations of weed seed predators that can improve weed management. Participants will also gain a new appreciation for methods to better manage nutrients in no-till systems.

Steve Groff and his family have farmed 200 acres of vegetables and crops on this rolling land for a number of years. Steve first started no-tilling in the early 1980's and has become a leader in the agricultural community pioneering his "Permanent Cover Cropping System." The cornerstone of this system is a unique emphasis on having a living plant in the soil at all times and as a result maintaining a permanent cover of crop and cover crop residues on the soil surface. Steve then seeds or transplants all vegetables and crops into this organic matter-rich mulch. He has found that this permanent cover aids in weed control and has drastically reduced erosion on the 3-17% slopes he farms.

For a map with directions to Cedar Meadow Farm, go to: http://cedarmeadowfarm.com/FieldDays/

From the intersection of 272 and 372 (south of Lancaster), take 372 (Holtwood Road) west 4.5 miles to Hilldale Road. Turn right. Travel 1.5 miles to the Groff Farm - on the right.