Responses to a recent SARE-funded survey shows famers find cover crops increase corn and soybeans yields, reduce erosion and control weeds, but the number one reason farmers say they plant cover crops is improved soil health. If you are looking for practical advice for planting cover crops the SARE Cover Crops for Sustainable Crop Rotations is a good resource. The … Read More
Soybean Farmers Get Second Chance with Clover
Wet conditions and flooding this spring in parts of the Midwest made for some difficult conditions for soybean planting, even to the point where many farmers were never able to get their crop in the ground. Grassland Oregon, a company specializing in science-based cover crop, turf, and forage seeds, says cover crop mixes can help producers take advantage of Risk … Read More
New Cost Share Program Offered for Cover Crops
Iowa soybean growers are being offered a new cost share program designed to boost the use of cover crops. The Conservation Technology Information Center says the offer covers up to $25 per acre plus discounts on Soil First brand cover crop seed by La Crosse Seed to Iowa soybean growers willing to establish or expand cover crop acreage and sign … Read More
Survey: Cover Crops Expand in Acres, Boost Yields
A new survey shows that more farmers are planting more cover crops, and that is resulting in bigger yields in corn and soybean fields. The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), says the survey of more than 1,200 farmers revealed that cover crops boosted 2014 … Read More
New Report on Cover Crops, Soil Health Out Soon
A new report outlining recommendations for cover crop and soil health reform is due out soon. Seed breeder and producer Grassland Oregon gives a preview of what will be in the report that will come from the National Working Group on Cover Crops and Soil Health, in particular, the call for public-private partnerships for cover crop research and reform. When … Read More
USDA Offers Cover Crop Chart
Scientists at the USDA have released a “Cover Crop Chart” to help growers choose a crop that will meet their productions needs. Cover crops are becoming more popular as farmers recognize their potential to help reduce erosion, increase organic matter, improve weed control and provide forage. This service allows cover crops to create more resilient and efficient production system. Soil scientist … Read More
Iowa Offers Water Quality Cost-Share
Funds will soon be available to help farmers in the state of Iowa to install nutrient reduction practices. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced a cost share plan for first-time users of cover crops at $25 per acer, $10 per acer for not-till or strip till, and $3 per acre for using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer. … Read More
USDA Finds Cover Crops Can be Grazed
A new study shows that allowing cattle to graze on cover crops does no damage to the soil. This article from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says the Agricultural Research Service study could encourage more producers to put down the crops that help reduce soil erosion, boost organic matter, keep more moisture in soil and sequester carbon in the soil. … Read More
Iowa Corn Farmer at Soil Health Summit
The National Corn Growers Association is the administrator for the Soil Health Partnership which was launched at the 2014 Commodity Classic and Corn Board member Kevin Ross believes it’s a very worthwhile initiative for farmers and all involved. “I’m really pleased with the direction it’s heading,” said Ross at the first Soil Health Summit last week in St. Louis. “It’s … Read More
Importance of Quantifying Cover Crop Benefits
A common theme at last week’s 2015 Soil Health Summit in St. Louis was the need to quantify the benefits for farmers of using cover crops. Purdue University economics professor Dr. Wally Tyner is trying to do just that. “I’ve worked in a lot of different areas in economics and this is the hardest nut to crack,” he said. “Because … Read More