AMES, Iowa—Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab will host the ISU Hay Day, an educational event for hay producers, at no cost. The event will take place on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Field Extension Education Laboratory in Boone.
The event is designed to help hay producers improve the health of their fields and the reliability of their equipment.
Morning programming will focus on plant health and alfalfa stand management, including how to evaluate stand productivity, assess pest pressures and avoid common planting mistakes. Attendees will also explore the practical use of unmanned aerial vehicles for monitoring field health.
After a provided lunch, presenters will discuss baler maintenance, including a review of UAV imagery collected in the morning, to keep plants and equipment performing at their best.
“Knowing your equipment is invaluable to keeping it running well,” said Luke Fuhrer, precision ag engineer with the ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab. “When you make hay, this equipment is run multiple times throughout the year — that kind of use demands regular attention and maintenance to avoid costly downtime during the season.”
Walk-ins are welcome, but advance registration is encouraged to assist with lunch planning. There is no cost to attend.
(contributed press release, ISUANR)
About the Author
