5 Easy Ways to Think About Cover Crops

The idea of cover crops and plants working together is not new. What is new is the evolving science and research for reduced compaction, improved weed control, moisture retention & yield gains. What do you stand to gain in terms of time, money and long term soil health? These are the questions every producer should consider when evaluating cover crop strategies. We sat down with Agronomist Jason Carlile in Otterbein, Indiana to learn more about cover crops and how they are helping local farmers improve their bottom line.

“With cover crops, there is management and a transition period,” says Carlile “but the overall time savings and soil improvement outweigh it.”

Start Small | Grow into it

Whether it’s a farm with rolling hills and water erosion to clay soils and preventing nutrient run-off, think about how improved yields and soil on your worst farmland would improve your overall operation.  Start small in year 1 (perhaps 10% of your acres) and build from there. It’s better to take your time to ensure that you are successful.

Create a Plan

Being Prepared is vital to cover crop success. Take small steps each season to improve upon your plan and work with an agronomist that has experience. Whether you are just dipping your toes in cover crops or planning for years 5, 10 or more, make a plan and learn what works best on your farm.

Be Flexible | Work with Mother Nature

Just as you deal with the weather and Mother Nature today in conventional agriculture, the same holds true with cover crops. Being flexible and adjusting to the way your fields look, the timing of spraying and earlier hybrid seed planting comes with the territory.

Park Your Plow

Think about cover crops as your replacement for fall tillage. You’re shifting dollars from tillage to cover crops and while you’re at it, you’re getting less compaction. Park that plow!

Your Time is Valuable

What could you do with an extra day of your time? What about a full week? Think about cover crops in terms that mean the most to you. With proper planning you can get back the time you’ve been spending in the tractor to focus other priorities.

“Talk to the guys that have been doing cover crops for years, they’ll help you understand the cost & time benefits and avoid mistakes.” says Carlile, “education and proper planning are the keys to cover crop success.”

Just as every farming operation is different from the next, so is a cover crop plan and strategy. Just as the hybrid corn and soybeans you select in the fall may be different from your neighbors, so are the cover crop seeds and your plan to ensure success. According to Carlile, “farmers with fields that are prone to water erosion are a great place to start with cover crops.”  If you can turn around your worst farm, imagine what can be done with your best farm.

As you consider how cover crops could impact your operation, we leave you with this…

Time = Money

Your time is valuable. Whether you are spending less hours on fall tillage or getting your crop harvested earlier in the year –  cover crops may be your key to time and money savings.

Drought Conditions
According to Ron Nichols of the USDA, “Cover crops deliver strong harvest amid drought”

More for What Matters
What would you do with more time?

Whether it’s time with your children or grand-kids, or pursuing your favorite past-time,  the case for more time is very appealing.

About the Author

Johnny Klemme is a published author, graduate of Purdue University and Land Broker specializing in farms, recreational property and development land in West Central Indiana. Born and raised on a local farm, his commentary on issues that are important to the farming and real estate community can be found at www.PrairieFarmland.com/blog