Proponents say that rotating cash crops such as soybeans, wheat and corn with cover crops such as legumes, grasses and forbs has many benefits. It replenishes the soil, reduces erosion, cuts down on runoff pollution and helps to control pests. Read more in this article from University of Missouri.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has announced the creation of the Center for Digital Agriculture (CDA), a new center that brings together agricultural producers, researchers, and industries to innovate on the technology that is transforming agriculture to feed and support a growing global population. The center, which launched at the Center for Digital Agriculture Industry Conference, seeks to develop digital solutions to agricultural roadblocks.

Managing legumes as a cover crop requires smart decision making, says Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff. (Courtesy of Cover Crop Innovators)

Profitability is what all growers are aiming for, no matter the crop. However, profitability is a term that is relative when it comes to evaluating the effectiveness of using cover crops. Over time, covers are giving more in terms of profitability than can be quantified — through improved soil health, increased water holding capacity, organic matter, earthworm activity, more supportive bacteria in the soil, cooler soil temperatures, and more. How do you put a price tag on some of those intangible, but extremely beneficial, qualities?

Free fact sheets from the Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) program explore the many ways cover crops can maintain soil and benefit the farm ecosystem, including improving soil conditions and preventing pollution; keeping nutrients out of waterways; covering the soil to prevent erosion; sequestering carbon and more.

Have you ever considered growing your own cover crop seed? It can be done—and in ways that will not get you into legal trouble. There is a gauntlet of rules and regulations around growing your own seed, and this podcast provides tips on how to follow those rules. (Courtesy of Cover Crop Innovators)

More growers are increasingly becoming interested in raising organic crops. While food-grade organic crops merit a larger return on investment, they also require a high level of quality and present unique challenges in marketing those crops. (Courtesy of Cover Crop Innovators)

The Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey and Report 2018-2019 provides insight on recent trends in the market value of land and cash rental across the state. Each year the special feature section from this report covers topics on new or emerging issues related to the agricultural land industry in Nebraska, according to an article from the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture & Natural Resources Agricultural Economics department.