In 2022, Olmsted County commissioners Mark Thein and Gregg Wright approached staffers in the local soil and water conservation district office and asked a seemingly straightforward question: How can we keep nitrates out of the groundwater?
Cover crops can directly impact water quality. With all the attention being given to improving water quality and reducing nutrient loads going into Ohio’s waterways, farmers are encouraged to consider a multifaceted approach of best management practices (BMP’s) that include the use of cover crops. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.
Every year we learn more about the soil saving and water quality protecting benefits of cover crops. A cover crop protects the soil surface from erosion. Read more in this article from the Globe Gazette (Mason City, IA).
The dry conditions throughout large areas of Iowa during 2020 reminds us of Iowa’s last significant drought in 2012 and the subsequent impacts on nitrate-N levels in subsurface drainage the following spring. There is a risk of elevated fall soil nitrate levels due to dry conditions this growing season. Read more in this article from the Aberdeen News (Aberdeen, SD).
The Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC) is rolling out an improved cover crop selection tool that will help farmers make decisions. Users select their state/province and county and then select the goals they have for cover crops — erosion control, nitrogen scavenger, fighting weeds and providing forage, etc. Read more in this press release from Purdue University.
Cover crops are known to protect soil and water quality, but they also can offer valuable livestock feed, according to Iowa State University research. Find out more in this article from Feedstuffs.
The National Strip-Tillage Conference returns August 8-9, 2024!Build and refine your strip-till system with dozens of new ideas and connections at the 11th Annual National Strip-Tillage Conference in Madison, Wis. Aug. 8-9, 2024. Experience an energizing 2-day agenda featuring inspiring general session speakers, expert-led Strip-Till Classrooms and collaborative Strip-Till Roundtables. Plus, Certified Crop Adviser credits will be offered.
I’m in Sacramento, Calif., this week at FIRA USA and we’re just going to get right into it. Why don’t you take a look at some of the newest and most exciting Ag technology on display at this year’s conference.