Grazing cover crops - Articles

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.

Iowa Operation Enhances Soil Health with Cover Crops

November 22, 2019 | Posted in Grazing

Source: Aberdeen News

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.

Fall Cover Grazing Opportunities Limited

November 7, 2019 | Posted in Grazing

Source: KMA Radio

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.

Frozen Cover Crops Can Be Hazardous When Fed to Livestock

October 31, 2019 | Posted in Grazing

Source: Norfolk Daily News

Freezing temperatures are on their way for most of Nebraska. These freezing temperatures will play a key role in determining what can be grazed or hayed safely for your livestock. Read more in this article from the Norfolk Daily News.