A group of farmers from South Dakota discuss cover crop species selection, timing of planting covers, cover crop mixes, and more.

We are now approaching the time of year to think about planting fall cover crops. Cover crops can serve many purposes, ranging from erosion control to nutrient sequestration. Read more in this article from Michiana's News Channel.

A trend with beef cattle producers in northwestern Alberta is growing annual cocktail blends for forage production, with those blends including cereals, grasses, legumes and brassicas. ‘There’s a lot of interest in the Peace Country about cocktails, and there are a lot of questions,’ explains Buthaina Al-Maqtari, research technician with Peace Country Beef and Forage Association (PCBFA). Read more in this article from The Stettler Independent (Stettler, Alberta).

There is no decisive answer about when it's too late to plant cover crops in the fall. But if you could tell me what the weather will be for the next six weeks, I would be confident in recommending the last date that would be worth the risk of establishing a cover crop. Read more in this article from Lancaster Farming.

An online survey of almond growers showed more interest in growing bee-friendly cover crops than in planting other pollinator habitat, and explored additional aspects of how almond farmers can boost the health of the insects that pollinate their trees. The survey, which concluded in February, collected information from 329 respondents who represented about 14% of California's 2019 almond acreage, with orchards from 1 acre to 49 acres in area. Read more in this article from the Daily Democrat (Woodland, CA).

An idea that started with the curiosity of an enterprising south-central Kentucky farmer is showing promise as another crop for Kentucky small grain producers, as well as a reliable source of Kentucky-grown cereal rye for bourbon distillers, bakers and millers. In a state long recognized for its progressive farmers, the Halcomb family of Walnut Grove Farms in Logan County are known as some of the most innovative. Read more in this article from the Sentinel-Echo (London, KY).

As harvest progresses, its not too late to plant cover crops, but the options are becoming more limited. Most cover crops need a minimum of 60 days of growth before cold freezing winter weather limits growth. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.

There’s no one-size-fits-all cover crop mix. So, selecting the right cover crop mix may seem a bit overwhelming. Read more in this article from DRG News.

Horseweed is considered one of the most troublesome weeds in the United States and Canada – able to produce devastating losses in both corn and soybean yields when left uncontrolled. Populations of herbicide-resistant horseweed are now found in 18 countries, and many are resistant to multiple herbicide sites of action. Read more in this article from Morning Ag Clips.

Crop scientists at three federal labs have released results of a two-year evaluation of 56 commercially-available cover crop varieties to help farmers pick the best ones for their business. K-State Research and Extension soil management specialist Deann Presley calls the publication – Evaluation of Cool Season Crops in the North Central Region – an “excellent piece of research” conducted by scientists employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Read more in this article from KRVN Radio.