The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Aug. 12, at noon CDT will feature Mark Licht, associate professor and extension cropping system specialist, Iowa State University. Licht’s extension, research and teaching program is focused on how to holistically manage Iowa cropping systems to achieve productivity, profitability and environmental goals. His research is centered around varied aspects of soybean, corn and cover crop management.

In the webinar, “Agronomics of Relay Intercropping,” Licht will draw on field trials and deployments of relay intercropping to highlight this growing practice that balances small grain and soybean production. He will share information gathered through research that is looking at seeding rates, planting dates, and maturity selection to help identify positive outcomes. Licht will also discuss win-win situations that balance soil health, crop productivity, and contributions to overall profitability.

“The research is proving that through relay intercropping farmers can grow small grains and soybean at the same time in ways that provide soil health benefits akin to cover crops while also achieving desired soybean yield,” said Licht. “The practice is not without risks, but relay intercropping is showing the potential to deliver value in the right situations. The approach takes flexibility, but the end results are greater overall yield and profitability. I hope that participants in the webinar will learn more about relay intercropping and see how it might be a good fit for their farms.”

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

Up Next: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, “When Does Scouting Pay? Evaluating Soybean Aphid Scouting and Drones,” with Hyewon Lee, Iowa State University, and Seowoo Lee, Rutgers University 

Aug. 26: Jenny Seifert, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Sep. 2: Jonathan Norton, Iowa State University