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When Do Cover Crops Pay Off?

A new report from USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education explores cover crop profitability.
June 19, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health, Economics
Source: USDA-SARE
Farmers around the country are planting cover crops on millions of acres to protect and improve the soil, and the more that farmers use cover crops, the more they value this conservation practice. Cover Crop Economics, a new report published by USDA-SARE looks at the economics of cover crops to help farmers answer that big question: "When do cover crops pay?"
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Learn More About Prevent Planting Cover Crops in North Dakota

North Dakota State University Extension is hosting a series of four talks on prevent planting cover crops.
June 12, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health
Source: North Dakota State University Extension
These will be an excellent opportunity to meet with North Dakota State University specialists and researchers to run through options and hopefully insurance representatives to provide input during the conversation.
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Protect Soaked Soil With Cover Crops

Cover crops can also help prevent fallow syndrome.
June 10, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health, Economics
Source: University of Minnesota Extension
Excessive precipitation and persistently wet conditions have prevented the planting of corn and soybean in some fields and led to ponding and drown-out areas in others. On acres where “prevent plant” is claimed for insurance, the USDA-Risk Management Agency (RMA) requires protection from erosion and control of noxious weeds. Planting a cover crop to these areas can help control weeds and prevent erosion, while enhancing soil structure and preventing “fallow syndrome”. 
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Sign Ups Open June 21 for Annual Maryland Department of Ag Cover Crop Program

This popular grant program provides farmers with cost-share assistance to offset seed, labor, and equipment costs associated with planting fall cover crops.
June 7, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Soil Health, Termination
Source: Maryland Department of Agriculture
The annual sign-up period for the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s cover crop program will take place June 21 – July 17 at soil conservation district offices statewide.
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"I" States Slowly Increasing Cover Crop Use

The Environmental Working Group used satellite imagery to compare cover crop acreage and found an increase in Iowa, Indiana and Illinois from 2015-2017.
June 7, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health
Source: Iowa News Service

The sustainable farming practice of cover cropping grew in Iowa in 2018, but is still far below the goal called for in Iowa's Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Cover crops are planted in the off-season to help protect soil from water and wind erosion and reduce nutrient runoff into waterways. Using satellite imagery, the Environmental Working Group compared cover-crop acreage in Iowa, Indiana and Illinois from 2015-2017, and found a net increase in all three states. Iowa's acreage grew about 16% last year. Report author Soren Rundquist said it's a step in the right direction, but far from what is needed.


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The National No-Tillage Conference returns January 9-12, 2024! Build and refine your no-till system with dozens of new ideas and connections at the 32nd Annual National No-Tillage Conference in Indianapolis, Ind. Jan. 9-12, 2024. 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.

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New FAA Exemption: Efficiency Boost or Safety Hazard?

New FAA Exemption: Efficiency Boost or Safety Hazard?

The Federal Aviation Administration recently granted a regulation exemption that will allow 1 person to operate 3 drones in a swarm. While some see this as a big win from a productivity standpoint since it has the potential to make cover crop drone seeing more efficient, others see it as a massive safety concern.

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