Equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities.
Matt Schuiteman began experimenting with cover crops on his Sioux Center farm over ten years ago. Nowadays he grows cereal rye for grazing, baling and seed. He estimates grazing a cereal rye cover provides a forage value of about $281 per acre!
We can all keep learning from each other while we practice social distancing. Take a virtual farm tour via Facebook Live with southeast Iowa cover cropper Mike Jackson. Learn how and why he uses cover crops, see some of the machinery he uses to get it done, and ask him questions!
Hosted by: Tama Soil & Water Conservation Distract
June 23 | 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Grinnell, Iowa
Are you planning, hosting or know of a cover crop event? Send the details to
rebecca@practicalfarmers.org, and we’ll include it in our next newsletter.
Soil compaction and lack of fence are often identified by farmers as the two major barriers to grazing cover crops.
Soil compaction issues can be avoided with proper management.
Are you grazing cover crops this spring, or plan to in the fall? If so, it’s important to check and see if your corn or bean herbicides have grazing restrictions. Some common herbicides do not allow for grazing of cover crops or crop residue.
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 now to see if you’re eligible.Farmers who enroll before July 1 may also be eligible for a discount on seed and application through Iowa Cover Crop.