Buying cover crop seed should be a transaction that benefits everyone involved—the grower and the seed dealer. That means asking the right questions to get the product you want and need for your operation. Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff shares the top 5 questions to ask the next time you buy cover crop seed.
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.
Like all aspects of farming, growing cover crops doesn’t always go as intended. Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff says that how cover croppers react to failure is critical for learning and doing better the next time. Groff shares ideas on how to deal with several areas where cover cropping can go awry, including weather, herbicides, equipment and management, and shares stories from his own cover crop failures.
Barry Martin plants peanuts, cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat and grain sorghum, and uses strip till. Rye is his main cover crop, which he burns down before planting peanuts to minimize problems with the cornstalk borer, which appears to thrive in heavy vegetation.
Since 2000, fifth-generation grower Clay Mitchell has no-tilled 3,000 acres of corn and soybeans near Waterloo, Iowa, and raises cover crops on all 3,000 acres.
Many cover crop species can be used as forage while also providing soil health benefits, says Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff, including hay, baleage and grazing. The type of cover crops to plant depends on your ultimate goal for those cover crops, as that goal can affect seeding rates, planting dates, and fertility.
Cody Galligan runs a certified organic, highly diversified vegetable operation on seven acres, with local sales through a CSA, farm-to-table events and direct to restaurants.
John Grabber, a research agronomist for the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, presented on interseeding alfalfa into corn silage at World Dairy Expo on Wednesday, October 2. “The reason we’re trying to develop this system is to take care of several issues or shortcomings we have with corn and corn silage/alfalfa rotations,” said Grabber. Read more in this article from Hoard's Dairyman.
Typically, double cropping done after small grains is planting soybeans in wheat stubble, but not always, says Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff. Some growers plant a crop after barley, oats or other small grain crops, and cover crops are a viable choice for planting in late summer. The amount of precipitation is also a factor in deciding whether to plant cover crops after small grains. The type of cover crop planted can also play a role in helping increase yields the following growing year.
Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff says that in the past 5-10 years, soil health testing has grown in popularity, but they aren’t a silver bullet for detecting all soil health problems. In this podcast, learn about the different types of soil tests available, what they can measure and why each one is important.
The National No-Tillage Conference returns January 12-15, 2027!Build and refine your no-till system with dozens of new ideas and connections at the 35th Annual National No-Tillage Conference in Indianapolis, Jan. 12-15, 2027. 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.
This week we are looking at a clip from Cody Hornaday, a technical agronomist with Koch Agronomic Services, as he explains a few tips that no-tillers and cover croppers should keep in mind for unlocking phosphorus in their soils.
Family Owned since 1964 – Remlinger Manufacturing was founded by Wilbur Remlinger in 1964 and the family tradition continues today with Wilbur’s grandson being the current CEO/President. Although the business has expanded and diversified, family remains a core value to the company and is evident in the company culture.
Made in USA – Remlinger Manufacturing is proudly located in Kalida, Ohio. We have dealers located across the US and Canada to conveniently serve our customers.
Quality Driven – With over 60 years of producing farm equipment, we continue our tradition of manufacturing high quality attachments and products to serve farmers around the globe.
Byron Seeds LLC is a team of individuals who have a passion for high energy forages, cover crops, and proper farming techniques. Byron personnel seek to understand our clients’ goals so that we may provide the best environment for our clients’ success through research, education, support, and...
Our years of experience and network of dealers make us the ideal choice for your mowing, no-till and horse drawn equipment needs. Use our Dealer Locator to contact your nearest I&J dealer today.