Kelly Engineering in South Australia has developed a tillage system to cut costs and boost productivity for cover crops. The patented diamond-shaped tiller and air seeder allow the entire sowing process to be completed in a single pass. Testing has begun in the United States and the product is expected to be available in 2017. Timing is good for U.S. … Read More
New Cover Crop Report Released
A new report from 2,020 farmers nationwide shows growers find a boost in corn and soybean yields when they use cover crops. This is the fourth survey conducted by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program and the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) with help from the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and Purdue University. Multi-year data highlights the … Read More
Land Stewardship Launches Cover Cropping Calculator
Research is showing that cover crops such as perennial grasses can improve soil health, reduce run-off and potentially offer growers additional revenue opportunities all while improving the ag operation’s sustainability. But how can a grower better assess what the financial bottom line actually is should cover crops be implemented? This question now has an easier answer thanks to the Land … Read More
Cover Crops Council Hires Program Manager
Anna Morrow, a Purdue Extension educator, has joined the Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC) as program manager. In her new role, that began on July 1, 2016 as as staff member in Purdue University’s Department of Agronomy, Morrow will assist MCCC in meeting its goals of facilitating widespread adoption of cover crops across the Midwest for purposes of soil health, … Read More
Summer Field Days Focus on Soil Health
With summer in full swing, the Soil Health Partnership (SHP) has kicked off its field days with a focus on how changing nutrient management and tillage strategies, along with cover crop adoption, can create long-term environmental and economic benefits. The field days began in June and will continue through September with a focus on the Midwest, specifically Iowa and Illinois. … Read More
Buffer Crops Good Soil Runoff Strategy
University of Missouri researchers, focused on reducing soil and nutrient loss and runoff from agricultural fields, have found that using buffers between crops and trees both reduces soil runoff and maintains good growing conditions. Runoff, when fertilizer and pesticides are washed downstream, has been in the news lately as linked to “dead” areas in the Gulf of Mexico where high … Read More
Farm Visits to Focus on Soil Health
The California Farm Demonstration Network (CFDN) will be showcasing long-term goals for health soil during their May and June farm visits. The visits will highlight farmers using cover crops, conservation tillage and other soil health practices. Growers will discuss their soil management systems and experiences using them. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, UC Cooperative Extension and Resource Conservation Districts, among … Read More
Cold Tolerant Faba Bean Developed
Faba beans are unique in many ways. They have double the protein of wheat and triple the amount found in rice. They contain beneficial amino acids, B-vitamis and micronutrients, plus they benefit the soil. Like others in the pulse family, Faba beans can pull nitrogen from the air for use by the plant. Their sweet, strong sent is attractive to … Read More
Farmers Urged to Participate in Survey
The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) is asking for grower participation in their most recent survey. The organization is requesting 15 minutes of your time to learn more about cover crops being grown in the U.S. “This survey provides us with a great perspective on why farmers do or do not plant cover crops, what they expect to gain from … Read More
Maryland Farmers Break Cover Crop Records
Cover crops are widely hailed as an environmentally friendly way to increase soil health and reduce runoff, and Maryland has taken full advantage of their benefits by using ariel application to apply seeds while the original crop is still in the field. Maryland Soybean Board member, Hans Schmit of Schmidt Farms explains, “Applying the cover crop seeds while the original crop is … Read More