What the Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm Field Day Is
The Iowa State University Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm near Nashua opens its gates to farmers, agribusiness people and neighbors for a field day, a chance to walk the plots and hear from the Iowa State researchers and extension specialists who run the trials. The farm turns academic research into field-tested answers for northeast Iowa soils, crops and climate. Admission is free, and events go ahead rain or shine.
The most recent edition was the farm's 50th Anniversary Celebration on September 10, 2026. The farm was established in 1976, and the day looked back on five decades of research while showing what is being tested now. Earlier in the season, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the farm also held its regular summer field day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How the Anniversary Day Worked: The Timeline
- 2 p.m. Guided field tours of current research on the farm began, with shuttles running throughout the event.
- Heritage plots Presentations covered the historic genetics of corn and soybeans.
- Borlaug Learning Center "Hot Topics" sessions ran alongside chances to meet Iowa State researchers and extension specialists.
- 4 p.m. The speaking program followed the tours and demonstrations.
- 5:30 p.m. A complimentary meal, sponsored by Innovative Ag Services, closed out the day. The open house ran until 7 p.m.
Displays included a John Deere E98 ethanol-powered tractor and the Iowa Corn Mobile Education Trailer.
Who Spoke
- Stephen Vaden, USDA Deputy Secretary
- David Cook, Iowa State University President
- Jason Henderson, Iowa State vice president for extension and outreach
- Kendall Lamkey, Iowa State associate dean of facilities and operations
- Other agricultural leaders and industry experts
The Summer Field Day
The June 24, 2026 summer field day started at the Borlaug Learning Center and featured three specialists:
| Speaker | Topic |
|---|---|
| Alison Robertson, extension field crops pathologist | Corn diseases and white mold in soybeans |
| Richard Roth, extension nitrogen specialist | Sulfur research and timely nitrogen management |
| Wesley Everman, extension weed scientist | Weed control with pre- and post-emergent herbicide strategies |
Lunch was provided by Five Star Cooperative, and Certified Crop Advisers could earn one nutrient management and two pest management credits. Guests were asked to RSVP by Monday, June 22 so the lunch count was accurate.
Who Can Attend and What It Costs
Both days were free and open to area farmers, agribusiness professionals and community members. RSVPs helped the farm plan the meal. Visitors do not need to bring anything; the research plots are the attraction.
Where (and How to Get There)
Iowa State Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm, 3321 290th Street, Nashua, IA 50658. From Nashua, start at the junction of Highway 218 (Exit 220) and County Road B60. Go west on B60 for 1.1 miles to Windfall Avenue, head south one mile to 290th Street, then east 0.2 miles to the farm.
Who Runs the Farm
The farm works with Iowa State University and industry partners. The Northeast Iowa Ag Experimental Association represents farmer ownership and guides the farm across 21 counties, including Allamakee, Black Hawk, Bremer, Butler, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Floyd, Howard, Mitchell and Winneshiek. Its stated mission is to deliver unbiased, scientific ag research relevant to the soils, crops and climate of the region.
Questions
Do I need to register?
For the anniversary day, an RSVP was requested to help with the meal count. For the June summer field day, RSVPs went to the Northeast Iowa Research Association by June 22 for the lunch count.
Is there a charge?
No. Both events were free and open to the public.
Can I earn crop adviser credits?
Yes, at the June summer field day: one nutrient management and two pest management credits for Certified Crop Advisers.
Who do I call?
The Iowa State Research and Demonstration Farms office: 515-294-5045. The farm's contacts for the 2026 events included Terry Basol and Josh Michel.
Official Links
- Iowa State Research Farms field days and meetings: 2026 field day list and farm office
- 2026 Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm Summer Field Day: June program, speakers and RSVP
- Northeast Iowa research farm marks 50 years: anniversary agenda, speakers, directions and history
- Celebrate 50 Years of Agricultural Innovation: anniversary invitation from Innovative Ag Services
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Big Four Fair Nashua
Nashua hosts the Big Four Fair Nashua every year for Chickasaw County, Iowa. Held each year; the most recent dates were September 2-6, 2026.
Nashua, IA Official event details - Iowa Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and County Leadership Conference
Iowa Farm Bureau members meet for the annual meeting and county leadership conference at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines, December 8-9, 2026.
Des Moines, IA Official event details - Cass County Winter Extension and Conservation Day Camp
Polar Bear Discovery day camp for kindergarten through 2nd grade at the Cass County Community Building in Atlantic, $5 per camper. Held each year; registration closes December 23.
Atlantic, IA | Organizer: Cass County Extension Official event details - Iowa Pork Congress
Iowa Pork Producers Association winter pork industry show and trade fair in downtown Des Moines. Listed for January 20-21, 2027.
- Ringgold County Fair
Mount Ayr fair on the north edge of town, with a full week of 4-H and FFA shows for swine, sheep, goats, beef, horses, poultry and rabbits. Scheduled for July 6-11, 2027.
Mount Ayr, IA Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.