Collectively, Hormel Foods and Target will provide $1.7 million for farmers to participate in the pilot and adopt practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage and nutrient management. The goal is to enroll up to 50,000 acres.

As feed costs move higher, cattle producers continue to look at alternative options that can keep cows and calves maintaining or gaining weight. Many have turned to cover crops.

The Practical Farmers of Iowa shares four tips to consider for the next planting season, based on data from a survey of its farm members.