While the idea might seem a little ‘out there’ in a typical year, 2019 was not a typical year in many states, with weather challenges causing planting, field work and harvesting delays. (Courtesy of Cover Crop Innovators)

In this article from Country Guide, Yvonne Lawley from the University of Manitoba discusses ongoing efforts to quantify the value of cover crops in western Canada where shorter growing seasons are a major challenge.

Several farmers in Marion County, Kan. are turning to cover crops to extend the grazing season for their cattle, including cereal rye, annual ryegrass, oilseed radishes, forage turnips, oats, and triticale, reports the Hillsboro (Kan.) Star-Journal.

A long-time no-tiller, Bo Fox, Monona County, Iowa, has expanded his crop management from no-tilling corn and soybeans to including crop rotations with small grains, cover crops, and livestock grazing of cover crops. While Bo has experimented with cover crops in the past, he recently worked with USDA’s NRCS to obtain planning and financial assistance to grow a diverse cover crop mix suitable for spring livestock grazing.

A wet summer and late start to silage harvest likely cut into cover crop production this year. Patrick Wall, Iowa State University Extension beef specialist based in Knoxville, Iowa, says grazing availability will likely depend on planting dates. Read more in this article from KMA Radio.