Northeast Iowa no-tiller Rick Matt.jpg

Northeast Iowa no-tiller Rick Matt loves trying new things on his farm. Having plenty of experience with cattle grazing cover crops, Matt recently began experimenting with using sheep for grazing. Rick Matt

Cover Crop Grazing Provides Economic & Soil Health Wins

By Téalin Robinson posted on May 28, 2026 | Posted in Economics, Grazing, Soil Health

Iowa no-tiller’s complex cover crop ‘salad mix’ continues to reveal new benefits to his operation each year

Iowa no-tiller and rancher Rick Matt thought his approach to soil health was advanced in the 1990s until one book changed his entire operation about 20 years later. 

“It has changed quite a bit of what we do here,” Matt says, who began no-tilling in 1993. “I thought I was progressive already, but this pushed me to the next level.”

While on bed rest in 2019, Matt read the book “Dirt to Soil” by Gabe…

To view the content, please register or login.
Registration is free. Use your registered user account to watch summit video and webinar replays, download eGuides, and manage your user profile.
KEYWORDS Grazing Grazing & No-Till Grazing and Cover Crops grazing and no-till livestock Livestock & Cover Crops livestock farm benefits Rick Matt
Tealin robinson

Téalin Robinson

Téalin Robinson is a contributing writer for Lessiter Media. She joined Lessiter Media in April 2022 as the Client Services Coordinator, managing client relations and project deliverables between key internal and external stakeholders. Robinson is a journalism graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Related Articles

Need for Feed Provides Added Bonus: Soil Health

New Study Finds No Positive, Negative Impacts from Cover Crop Grazing

Livestock Grazing on Cover Crops Improves Soil Health

NNTC_Logo_2026_4c_Outlined.png

The National No-Tillage Conference returns January 12-15, 2027! Build and refine your no-till system with dozens of new ideas and connections at the 35th Annual National No-Tillage Conference in Indianapolis, Jan. 12-15, 2027. Experience an energizing 4-day agenda featuring inspiring general session speakers, expert-led No-Till Classrooms and collaborative No-Till Roundtables. Plus, Certified Crop Adviser credits will be offered.

Learn More

Top Articles

Must Read Free Eguides

Download these helpful knowledge building tools

View More

Videos

Cover Crop Planting & Termination Best Practices

Cover Crop Planting & Termination Best Practices

In our latest edition of the No-Till Farmer Newsletter, you may have seen our No-Till Innovator Special Report which includes tips and advice from expert no-tillers, agronomists and researchers.

View More
All Things Cover Crop

Get all things Cover Crop all the time!

Start Your Membership
Top Directory Listings
remlinger-.png

Remlinger Manufacturing Co Inc

Family Owned since 1964 – Remlinger Manufacturing was founded by Wilbur Remlinger in 1964 and the family tradition continues today with Wilbur’s grandson being the current CEO/President. Although the business has expanded and diversified, family remains a core value to the company and is evident in the company culture.

Made in USA – Remlinger Manufacturing is proudly located in Kalida, Ohio. We have dealers located across the US and Canada to conveniently serve our customers.

Quality Driven – With over 60 years of producing farm equipment, we continue our tradition of manufacturing high quality attachments and products to serve farmers around the globe.

Byron Seeds Full Color.png

Byron Seeds

Byron Seeds LLC is a team of individuals who have a passion for high energy forages, cover crops, and proper farming techniques. Byron personnel seek to understand our clients’ goals so that we may provide the best environment for our clients’ success through research, education, support, and...
IJ-LOGO.png

I&J Mfg. LLC

Our years of experience and network of dealers make us the ideal choice for your mowing, no-till and horse drawn equipment needs. Use our Dealer Locator to contact your nearest I&J dealer today.

View More