Hepp partnered with the Iowa Learning Farms and the Calhoun County Soil and Water Conservation District to help farmers, landowners and other interested people learn more about the connections between cover crops, soil health and water quality and farm profitability.

Iowa Learning Farms provided a demonstration of edge of field practices that help improve water quality with the Conservation Station On The Edge trailer.

Jean Ells with E Resources Group in Webster City offered a hands-on demonstration — known as a slake test — to show the striking differences between soil erosion and a healthy soil with good structure.

Crawford County farmer Kelly Garret with Xtreme Ag also shared his insights into how return on investment and conservation practices can work well together to boost farm profitability.

“The type of farming we’re talking about is a systems-approach,” Hepp said. “There’s not one silver bullet. The results are worth it, though. With this type of regenerative ag, two plus two equals six.”