Penn State Extension and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will host a cover crop and soil health bus tour on March 26.

The tour will departfrom the Butler Farm Show grounds at 10 a.m.

It will feature test plots sponsored by King’s Agriseed featuring several popular mixes from their stable along with farmer- created mixes giving attendees an opportunity to examine the different mixes, how they fared through the winter and some of the pros and cons of each mix.

We also will discuss cover cropping economics, grazing or forage potential of each mix as well as general soil health principles and why it pays to plant cover crops and adopt soil health practices on your operation.

This event will be hands- on, examining plants, looking at soil improvements from the different mixes and nitrogen fixation.The event is free and includes a boxed lunch, but we are requesting registration by Friday.

Participants will meet at the Butler Farm Show grounds and depart via bus to the farm at 10a.m. and will be back to the Farm Show around 2p.m.This is a rain or shine event, and participants should dress appropriately.

For more information or to register, call 724-482-5282.

Andy Gaver is a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Butler County.