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Finding the Silver Bullet: A Cover Crop That Suppresses Weeds & Supports Pollinators

A researcher from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale sought to find a cover crop that was an effective weed suppressor, but also supported floral resources for beneficial insects.
June 19, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices
Source: Southern Illinois University
Farmers are always talking about weeds. Whether it is through herbicides, cover crops, irrigation or no-till, the conversation usually focuses on key ways to suppress and reduce weeds from taking up valuable landscape.
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Proposed FEEDD Act Enables USDA to Allow Producers to Graze, Hay or Chop Cover Crops for Livestock

Cover crops could be harvested before Nov. 1 in the event of a feed shortage due to excessive moisture, flood or drought.
June 14, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Grazing, Economics
Source: U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson press release
U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Angie Craig (D-MN-02) introduced the bipartisan Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (FEEDD Act). The FEEDD Act will provide farmers and ranchers additional emergency flexibility to help alleviate feed shortages during planting seasons with high levels of prevent plant due to extreme moisture or drought.
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Learn More About Prevent Planting Cover Crops in North Dakota

North Dakota State University Extension is hosting a series of four talks on prevent planting cover crops.
June 12, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health
Source: North Dakota State University Extension
These will be an excellent opportunity to meet with North Dakota State University specialists and researchers to run through options and hopefully insurance representatives to provide input during the conversation.
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Sign Ups Open June 21 for Annual Maryland Department of Ag Cover Crop Program

This popular grant program provides farmers with cost-share assistance to offset seed, labor, and equipment costs associated with planting fall cover crops.
June 7, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Soil Health, Termination
Source: Maryland Department of Agriculture
The annual sign-up period for the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s cover crop program will take place June 21 – July 17 at soil conservation district offices statewide.
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"I" States Slowly Increasing Cover Crop Use

The Environmental Working Group used satellite imagery to compare cover crop acreage and found an increase in Iowa, Indiana and Illinois from 2015-2017.
June 7, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health
Source: Iowa News Service

The sustainable farming practice of cover cropping grew in Iowa in 2018, but is still far below the goal called for in Iowa's Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Cover crops are planted in the off-season to help protect soil from water and wind erosion and reduce nutrient runoff into waterways. Using satellite imagery, the Environmental Working Group compared cover-crop acreage in Iowa, Indiana and Illinois from 2015-2017, and found a net increase in all three states. Iowa's acreage grew about 16% last year. Report author Soren Rundquist said it's a step in the right direction, but far from what is needed.


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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.

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Cover Cropping in Integrated Farming Systems

Cover Cropping in Integrated Farming Systems

Last week we had boots on the ground at the Big Soil Health Event in Cedar Falls, Iowa where agronomist David Kleinschmidt emphasized the importance of considering Carbon to Nitrogen ratios of cover crops and residues.

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