The Practical Cover Cropper: PFI's new cover crop app + Blog on commonly used cover crops in Iowa!

Equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities.

Practical Farmers has released a new cover crop app designed to help farmers locate cover crop seed suppliers and service providers in time for fall 2021 planting decisions. The free app, Find Cover Crops, is available for download on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and a desktop version is also available. The Find Cover Crops app lets users:

Search by location or GPS for at least 44 cover crop seed dealers, seed cleaning and custom spraying services located across Iowa and surrounding states
Request aerial application, custom drilling and high-clearance seeding services from their phones or computer
Access management recommendations, including embedded how-to videos for seeding, grazing and terminating cover crops
Precisely identify the boundaries of fields to be cover cropped using the app’s “Find My Field” feature, which lets users search for, mark and send images of a field to businesses

This app design is based on what farmers have voiced as their biggest questions and challenges related to cover crops. It will serve as a tool that can empower farmers by helping to simplify cover crop planning and management.

PROGRAM UPDATES

Seeding cover crops in fall of 2021? Enroll in cost share!

Ready to invest in cover crops on your farm?

You could earn $1,600 or more to help offset the cost– fill out the application to see if you’re eligible.

Fill out the application

Iowans: Apply for Water Quality Initiative cost share today!

First-time cover croppers are eligible for $25 per acre, while farmers who have experience using cover crops and are continuing the practice can receive $15 per acre. Reduced tillage and nitrapyrin nitrification inhibitor cost share is also available.

Cost share funding through IDALS is capped at 160 acres per farmer or landowner. Contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District office to submit an application!

IN THE FIELD

Blog: "Most Commonly Used Cover Crops in Iowa"

Selecting a cover crop species is dependent upon your needs and goals.

Read this blog, by Iowa State’s Mark Licht and Zachary Clemens, to learn about the most commonly used cover crops in Iowa and how they can be incorporated into your operation.

Cover crop recipes

Getting started with cover cropping and need help choosing a mix to meet your goals?

These cover crop recipes from the Midwest Cover Crops Council can offer a starting point so you can begin implementing cover crops on your farm.

Looking for seed? Check out our cover crop business directory

We’ve created a directory of businesses to help you meet your cover crop goals. There, you can find seed suppliers, custom applicators, seed cleaners, and more.

If you sell cover crop seed or offer cover crop related services email jason@practicalfarmers.org to be listed on the directory.