Grazing cover crops

Worried About Nitrates When Grazing Cover Crops?

September 7, 2020 | Posted in Grazing

Source: University of Nebraska Extension

Planting cover crops after severe wind or hail damage to crops is becoming increasingly common. Often growers are planting species that have been used as forages for many years with the thought that they may be grazed. Read more in this article from the University of Nebraska.

[Video] The Basics of Cover Crop Seed Regulations

August 24, 2020 | Posted in Grazing

In this video, learn more about why cover crop seed regulations are important, why cover crop seed requires labeling and seed testing, what cover crop seed certification is, and more.

USDA Allowing Grazing, Haying or Cutting Cover Crops on Sept. 1

August 24, 2020 | Posted in Grazing

Source: North Dakota State University Extension press release

Changes in federal grazing and harvesting rules on prevented-planting acres could help livestock producers in select counties replenish forage supplies, or at least offset shortages in perennial forage production, according to North Dakota State University Extension livestock specialists. Counties that qualify must have 15% or more acres classified as prevented plant. Read more in this press release from North Dakota State University Extension.

Improving Profitability by Interseeding Wide-Row Corn with Cover Crops

July 31, 2020 | Posted in Grazing

Wide-spaced corn rows paired with cover crops for foraging is being tested across the country to see if a wider solar corridor can lead to bottom line benefits. Preliminary results from the University of Minnesota are showing improved economic and ecological outcomes for four Minnesota farmers.

Grazing Livestock on Cover Crops: A Practice with Room to Grow

The majority of growers grazed livestock on less than 300 cover crop acres and most do not rent out their acreage for grazing in spite of the income potential.

By Sarah Hill posted on July 2, 2020 | Posted in Grazing

For growers who use cover crops, grazing is the next level of utilization if the proper opportunity presents itself. If a grower owns their own livestock, cover crops are an additional feed source, especially during winter months when hay and other forages are more expensive.

Cover Crops Provide High Quality Forage

June 17, 2020 | Posted in Grazing

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

While cover crops are not a new concept for farmers, Erika Lundy said she has been impressed with the amount of adaptation and implementation she has seen over the past few years. Lundy, a beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension, said one of the major benefits of cover crops is providing high-quality forage for cattle with high protein and energy levels. Read more in this article from the Lincoln Journal Star.

Cover Crop Flexibility Act Would Allow Harvesting, Grazing on Prevented Plant Acres

March 30, 2020 | Posted in Grazing

Source: Tri-State Livestock News

Sens. John Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Agriculture Committee ranking member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., introduced the Cover Crop Flexibility Act of 2020 (S. 3479) to permanently remove the prohibition on harvesting or grazing cover crops on prevented plant acres prior to November 1.

Cover Crops: Insurance for a Wet Spring?

December 23, 2019 | Posted in Grazing

Source: Manitoba Cooperator

Joe Gardiner of Clearwater, Manitoba, has an insurance policy against a wet spring next year. Gardiner is one of a growing number of Manitoba farmers to embrace cover crops, having started the practice several years ago in an effort to increase fall grazing.

Timing Key When Grazing Cover Crops

December 23, 2019 | Posted in Grazing

Source: Soil Health Partnership

Grazing can provide many benefits to your operation such as producing feed for livestock, lengthening the grazing season, and producing a second crop off of your corn and soybean acres; however, implementing grazing requires planning. One thing to consider is the time of year your livestock will be utilizing this additional grazing and what cover crops make the most sense for your operation.

Cover Crops Extending the Cattle Grazing Season

December 4, 2019 | Posted in Grazing

Source: Hillsboro (Kan.) Star-Journal

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.