Don't Forget Cover Crops

Application season is wrapping up in my area. I think everyone is about to get a much needed break from row crops before we get into harvest. This year has had some very big challenges for growers. Overall the condition of the crops I have seen in the last few weeks look pretty good, considering the dry stretch we went through in June.

I want to take a little time to discuss the importance of cover crops. Cover crops are a growing practice in this area and have many benefits that we can take advantage of. There are a lot of options for cover crops out there from simple cereal grains like rye or wheat to complex mixtures of cereals, legumes, brassicas, ect. Cover crops put on in the fall can help reduce erosion and add needed organic matter to fields.

If you are considering trying a cover crop for the first time, or have used them in the past years it might be a good idea to get seed booked for these acres early as some seed is in short supply due to drought in the areas where it is grown. As always if you have questions about cover crops contact your local SFG agronomist. We would be happy to work with you to get a cover crop or mix to fit your acres.