Below we share findings and tips on cover crop expenses from our farmer-members as we plan for the next season of cover cropping. July is the perfect time to dial in your plans for seed and application.

Tip #1: Align practices with goals. While we hope the expenses of your cover crops are low, we know that sometimes the outcomes are worth the investment. For instance, the higher expense of seeding with a planter is likely justified if you’re using a precision cover cropping-system. If your goal is to protect against soil erosion or stimulate soil microbiology in the spring, broadcasting after harvest, especially with another input, is low cost, while also effective.

Tip #2: Stick to a single species. If your goals are soil conservation or weed suppression, one species will do the trick! If you plan to graze livestock in the fall, multiple species, especially across plant families, will likely pay off.

Tip #3: Don’t get swindled on cereal rye. Cereal rye is the most commonly used species in the Midwest (over 50% of the cover crop iterations in our survey seeded straight cereal rye), and for good reason! It consistently overwinters and greens up in the spring before most everything else, plus it is affordable! Farmers use it in diverse ways: from applying it with a hi-boy at a half bushel/acre to drilling nearly three bushels/acre with plans to roller crimp.

A bonus idea: Grow your own seed! 13.3% of respondents grew at least some of their own seed (saving them money), while reducing weed pressure, enabling biologically fixed N with a legume cover and increasing cash crop yields.

Have you applied for cost-share in the past and been declined? Trying covers for the first time? Eligibility has expanded!

Whether you’re new to cover crops or just curious to see what is available, the app “Find Cover Crops” is for you!

Search for seed suppliers, applicators and more by location in the app. Find it in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or use it in a web browser!

If you farm in any of the shaded watersheds or landforms, you are likely eligible for RCPP cost-share (which can be stacked on PFI cost share).

Contact your local NRCS office to learn more for 2023!

Register to attend the 9th Annual National Strip-Tillage Conference!

PFI members receive a $50 discount on registration fees! When registering, enter "PFI" in the Promo Code box before checkout.

This event doesn't come to Iowa often, so be sure to stop by and say hello to PFI staff while you're there.

Mark your calendars to visit PFI at the Farm Progress Show!

Stop by PFI's booth (#9515 in the Varied Industries tent) to chat cover crops and grab a “Don’t Farm Naked” koozie!

Note: Tickets must be purchased to enter the show. Visit farmprogressshow.com for more information.

July 7: Field Day - Oat Production: From Variety Selection and Seeding to Baling and Cleaning

July 15: Field Day - Conservation Rotations and Cover Crops Following Small Grains

July 16: Field Day - Precision Farming with Cover Crops for Soil Health and Conservation

July 23: Field Day - Conservation Practices in an Organic Farming System

July 30: Field Day - Cover Crops, Cattle and Conservation Projects Supporting Biodiversity

August 2: Field Day - Weed Control Strategies in Organic Corn and Soybeans with Buffalo Cultivators and Planters

August 3: Field Day - Whole-Farm Conservation Demonstration

August 4: Field Day- Linking Cover Crops, Cattle and Neighbors

Want to host a cover crop meet up? Are you planning or hosting a cover crop event? Contact taylor@practicalfarmers.org to plan something or to promote your event.

Send us your cover crop poll ideas! We want to know what YOU want to know. Reply to this email with your ideas for the next poll.

What is your predominant cover crop species before corn?