Farmers from 30 different states participated in the 3rd annual Cover Crop Benchmark Study. The comprehensive survey featured 48 questions about several topics including management practices, motivations, challenges and expenses in 2021 and plans for 2022. Here are 5 key takeaways.

Now is the time to make plans for cover crop planting if you have not already done so. There are several cover crop species that are often talked about, however, cereal rye, oats and radish are the most commonly used cover crops. Read more in this article from Iowa State University.

As we approach the fall cover crop planting season, the industry is starting to see shortages of a few different crops like radishes, hairy vetch and annual clovers due to the record amount of acreage that was planted last year as part of USDA’s prevent plant program. What we typically see in shortage situations is that seed will still be available to producers – however, it may be bottom of the bin in terms of quality and can carry a lot of risks. Read more in this article from Go Seed.

Voles can be an ongoing problem for farmers, but planting cover crops can actually help deter the pests, according to this week’s podcast from Hoosier Ag Today featuring two Purdue University masters students. Find out effective predators for naturally dealing with voles, why voles don’t like brassicas, and why to avoid nitrogen fixing cover crops.

Some farmers are finding success using a new process designed to streamline planting and improve germination of cover crops. John Cobb, of Morganfield, Kentucky, developed the treatment a few years ago. Read more in this article from the Rock Island Dispatch Argus (Davenport, IA).

Can you name 10 species of cover crops? No, this isn’t a riddle — it’s actually easier than you think. An easy place to start: cereal rye.

Michigan State University Extension Sustainable Agriculture Educator Dean Baas discusses why brassicas are an excellent cover crop species, including radish, turnip, rapeseed and mustard; what is unique about the root system of brassicas; why turnips are helpful for reducing soil compaction; and more.

Mixing radish seed with cash grain wheat has led to yield increases of up to 12 bushels per acre in some areas. The synergy was discovered by accident by late no-tiller Ed Winkle of Ohio after a hired worker left radishes in a seed mixer. (Courtesy of Cover Crop Innovators)