Nrcs - Articles

Weather Delaying Cover Crop Drilling in the Midwest

November 8, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices

From rain to snow, the harvest season has seen its fair share of delays across the Midwest. Cover crop applications have been progressing, and with aerial applications wrapping up in many areas, Justin King, a resource conservationist with the Illinois NRCS, said seeding has been a little more challenging this year. Read more in this article from the Rock Island Dispatch-Argus.

It's Not Too Late to Plant Cover Crops

September 30, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: Capital Journal (Pierre, SD)

It has been a challenge for many producers to reduce weed production on prevent plant acres as rains continues to dampen fields this year. Kent Vlieger, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Soil Health Specialist, Huron, urges growers to forgo tillage and plant cereal crops to aid in controlling weeds this fall. Read more in this press release from NRCS.

NRCS Updates Cover Crop Termination Guidelines

July 19, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Termination

Source: NRCS

Here are the latest guidelines on cover crop termination from the NRCS — for crops planted in the 2020 crop year and later — for growers who are utilizing crop insurance.

USDA Announces Sign-Up Period for Updated Conservation Stewardship Program

April 8, 2019 | Posted in Economics

Source: NRCS

The next deadline for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2019 is May 10, 2019. The NRCS plans to invest up to $700 million for new enrollments and contract extensions in fiscal year 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill made several changes to this critical conservation program, which helps agricultural producers take the conservation activities on their farm or ranch to the next level.

Make Cover Crop Decisions Easier with Free NRCS Chart

April 1, 2019 | Posted in Grazing, Seeding Practices, Soil Health

Source: NRCS

The NRCS Cover Crop Chart includes information on 66 crop species that may be planted individually or in cocktail mixes, with information on growth cycle, relative water use, plant architecture, seeding depth, forage quality, pollination characteristics, and nutrient cycling are included for most crop species.

Funding Available to Seed Cover Crops in Nebraska

April 1, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: NRCS

The NRCS is leading a statewide effort in Nebraska to enhance the adoption of soil health management through the Advanced Cover Crop Initiative. Landowners interested in applying for funding to establish cover crops should submit their application at their local NRCS office by April 19.

Conservation Stewardship Program Deadline is Looming

January 24, 2017 | Posted in Soil Health

Farmers and ranchers have until Feb. 3 to submit initial applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program to the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).

Experimental Farming in the Name of Soil Health

September 3, 2016 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: NRCS

No-tiller Steve Siverling talks about rebuilding soil structure and fertility, and experimenting with cover crop mixes, on his small farm in northern Wisconsin.

NRCS Issues Guidelines on Cover Crop Termination

June 12, 2013 | Posted in Termination

The NRCS released new guidelines on the termination of cover crops that could answer a few uncertainties on how covers should be managed in different climates in the U.S., but the RMA is still addressing questions about its policies with cover crops and eligibility for federal crop insurance.