A just-released survey report based on responses of 1,172 cover-cropping farmers across the U.S. shows their enthusiasm and profitability rising steadily for cover crops. The latest survey also indicates that a rising percentage of farmers are seeing improvements in soil health, improved weed control, better yields and fertilizer savings by planting directly into standing cover crops.
August 24, 2020 — You can download the 63-page survey analysis at this link. It’s a joint effort of USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), and American Seed Trade Association.
The survey was taken in 2020, one of the most stressful seasons we’ve had because spring rains delayed planting. Cover-crop farmers report that planting into green, standing cover crops allowed them to get crops planted earlier than they could on terminated covers or ground without cover crops.
The entire report is well-written and exceptionally interesting reading, whether you’re an experienced cover-cropper or just wondering if it would fit your farm. We recommend that you click on the link above, download the PDF and save it after reading it.
