Temperatures in much of the Upper Midwest have already been below freezing, or will be soon. If you are still planning to graze or mechanically harvest forage on cover crop acres it is important to keep forage species in mind as some species can have toxic effects on animals. Read more in this article from University of Minnesota Extension.
Proponents say that rotating cash crops such as soybeans, wheat and corn with cover crops such as legumes, grasses and forbs has many benefits. It replenishes the soil, reduces erosion, cuts down on runoff pollution and helps to control pests. Read more in this article from University of Missouri.
David Brandt farms 1,150 acres in central Ohio's Fairfield County. He began no-till farming in 1971 and has been using cover crops since 1978. David has participated in yield plots for corn, soybeans and wheat into various covers.
Managing legumes as a cover crop requires smart decision making, says Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff. From choosing the best nitrogen-producing species and planting legumes as early as possible to using winter hardy selections and planting into green legumes, Groff shares best practices for getting the most out your covers while using less nitrogen.
In this podcast, Dr. Avat Shekoofa discusses research on the impact of different cover crop species on pigweed germination, including cover crop termination timing.
Ben Brockmueller, a South Dakota State University (SDSU) grad student, presented data gathered at the SDSU Southeast Research Farm (SERF) outside of Beresford, SD, that found they averaged roughly 100 bushels per acre on their hybrid rye. Overall, rye seemed to hold up better than most everything tested. Find out more in this article from the Kenosha News.
Coarse-textured, degraded soil found throughout the Southeast can be very receptive to these benefits. Persistence is key because hot, humid conditions in the summer speed up surface biomass decomposition. Find out more in this press release from Alabama A&M and Auburn University Extension.
There are other options for growers besides letting your best soil blow away in the wind, says Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff. (Courtesy of Cover Crop Innovators)
The National No-Tillage Conference returns January 7-10, 2025!Build and refine your no-till system with dozens of new ideas and connections at the 33rd Annual National No-Tillage Conference in Louisville, Ky. Jan. 7-10, 2025. Experience an energizing 4-day agenda featuring inspiring general session speakers, expert-led No-Till Classrooms and collaborative No-Till Roundtables. Plus, Certified Crop Adviser credits will be offered.
Mackane Vogel here at the Acres Eco-Ag Conference and Trade Show in Madison, Wis., and for this week’s segment we are going to toss it off to Gary Zimmer to talk a little bit about his cover crop strategies.