A new cover crop survey by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, and American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is gathering insights on cover crops from crop consultants, seed dealers, ag retailers, conservation planners, and others who help guide farmers in their decision-making. The American Soybean Association has also contributed funding to help make the survey possible.

The anonymous survey is being conducted online from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Participants will earn a chance to receive one of three $100 gift cards.

First on Advisors

Seven previous cover crop surveys by CTIC, SARE and ASTA have provided farmers' perspectives on the benefits and challenges of cover crops. This is the first of the organizations' cover crop survey series to explore the opinions and experiences of people who advise farmers.

"We are especially excited about this cover crop survey because it will provide insight on the role of advisors in cover crop adoption and success, and how they see cover crops as an opportunity or a concern," says Dr. Rob Myers, director for extension programs for SARE's North Central Region and director of the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture. "We want to hear from advisors with every level of experience with cover crops, from enthusiastic proponents of cover crops to those who have been hesitant to advise farmers on planting and managing them."

Long Reach

Ryan Heiniger, executive director of CTIC, says the results of the group's cover crop surveys have had far-reaching impacts.

"Our past cover crop surveys have been cited in Congressional testimony, used in academic research, shared with farmers through the ag media, and used extensively by business and non-profit leaders in planning conservation programs and education," Heiniger says. "Data from those surveys—and this one—are vital for helping guide conservation incentives, training needs, education and research."

Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of ASTA, adds that the CTIC/SARE/ASTA cover crop surveys help seed producers evaluate market demand and fluctuations, trending species and regional needs to supply the growing market for cover crop seed.

"Understanding the demand and opportunities in the field helps seed producers keep in step with the market," LaVigne notes. "Adding the perspective of the experts who advise farmers and gaining insight into the distribution channels for cover crop seed will expand the seed industry's ability to provide professionally produced seed by species, characteristics and volumes to meet market demand."

Online Now

Trusted advisors can click here to take the 2024 CTIC/SARE/ASTA National Cover Crop Survey through Oct 31, 2024.

Reports from previous CTIC/SARE/ASTA cover crop surveys are online at bit.ly/CoverCropSurveys.

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