The Douglas County Conservation District is holding “Cover Crop and Soil Health Field Day” on Oct. 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mike and Cheryl Flory’s farm south of Lawrence.

Attendees of the educational event will receive a free lunch and learn the benefits of an agricultural method known as “cover cropping.”

Cover crops are grown after the harvest of a cash crop such as wheat or corn. District manager of the Douglas County Conservation District Jim Weaver said cover crops are beneficial to soil.

“First, it keeps soil from washing or blowing away during the winter months,” Weaver said. “Second, it keeps roots in the ground, which benefits soil health.”

Throughout the day, agricultural producers and landowners will learn tips and soil health information from nationally recognized speakers including no-till farmers Gail Fuller and David Brandt. Weaver said when organizing the event, he wanted to bring in agricultural experts who are easily relatable.

“I wanted to do it with people who have skin in the game,” Weaver said. “We could talk to somebody with multiple Ph.D.s, but it means the most when it comes from another farmer.”

To register for Cover Crop and Soil Health Field Day, call the Conservation District Office by Tuesday at 785-843-5260, extension 3. Space is limited to the first 200 registrants. A map to the farm where the event will take place will be provided upon registration.