Michaela Paukner

Cover Crops

When Is the Best Time to Terminate Cereal Rye to Suppress Weeds & Protect No-Till Soybean Yield?

1st year of research shows that between 7-14 days after soybean emergence, rye increases weed suppression by 5.3% per day but hurts yield by about ½ bushel per day

By Michaela Paukner posted on April 24, 2024 | Posted in Termination

74% of the farmers who responded to the 2024 Cover Crops Operational Practices Survey say cover crops provide at least some level of weed suppression in their fields.

Decomposing Cover Crops Serve as Sidedress Pass

World dryland corn yield record holder times decomposition of species in cover crop mix to provide nutrients to no-till corn crop throughout the season

By Michaela Paukner posted on April 24, 2024 | Posted in Soil Health

According to the 2024 Cover Crops Operational Practices Survey, managing carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratios is the second-most challenging aspect of cover cropping

Here Are 613 Food Companies Committed to Emissions Goals

By Michaela Paukner posted on January 30, 2024 | Posted in Investing in Regenerative Ag

At least 613 food companies have committed to developing targets to reduce emissions, according to an online database from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI).

ADM Accepts Frank Lessiter’s Challenge to Prove Commitment to Regenerative Ag

By Michaela Paukner posted on December 1, 2023 | Posted in Investing in Regenerative Ag

In No-Till Farmer’s November 2023 Conservation Tillage Guide, editor Frank Lessiter challenged food companies to prove their commitment to regenerative agriculture is more than just a PR campaign … and at least one major food company was listening.

Benchmark Study

Cover Crop Costs, Popularity of Planting Green Remain Steady

Annual cover crop survey reveals common cover cropping practices in U.S., untapped potential of grazing for profit & more.

By Michaela Paukner posted on June 1, 2023 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Grazing, Economics, Termination

Farmers across the U.S. continue to find success with cover cropping and planting green, according to the 2023 Cover Crops Operational Practices Survey.

I55 Dust Storm Crash Illinois State Police.jpeg

Cover Crops: Responsible Choice for Preventing Deadly Dust Storms

By Michaela Paukner posted on May 18, 2023 | Posted in Soil Health

On May 1, 2023, high winds blew soil from recently tilled fields across a 2-mile stretch of Interstate 55 in central Illinois, causing blackout-type visibility on the roads. Seven people died and another 37 were hurt in a 70-car pileup resulting from the dust storm.

3 Ways Cover Crops Improve Soil Health

By Michaela Paukner posted on March 31, 2022 | Posted in Soil Health

From the depths of a soil pit, it’s clear how cover crops benefit overall soil health. Michael Patin, a district conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Jamie Patton, senior outreach specialist of nutrient and pest management at the University of Wisconsin, share how cover crops can improve your soil health.