Drought continues to be a concern for many growers especially for much of the midwest and southern United States, as is depicted in the soil moisture conditions map.

A total of 355 growers from across the U.S. participated in the 5th annual Cover Crops Operational Practices Survey, which featured questions on species selection, seeding methods, termination timing in 2023 and cover-cropping plans for 2024.

For Washington, Iowa, farmer Michael Vittetoe, his farm operation success is the result of lots of smaller victories on the field and beneath the soil surface.

Steve Groff never planned to develop a new variety of cover crop. In fact, the Holtwood, Pa., no-tiller and cover crop expert believes that he is more often recognized for his contribution of the tillage radish as a cover crop in the early 2000s.

This week I traveled to Weninger Farms for a Pre-Planting Clinic hosted by the Dodge County Farmers for Healthy Soil & Healthy Water. The event was filled with lots of great discussions and presentations. Here’s Cover Crop Specialist Brendon Blank answering the age old question of which one is better: winter wheat or cereal rye?

Last week I had the chance to attend Randall Reeder’s Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference in Ada, Ohio. The event included a star-studded lineup of speakers who touched on no-till, cover crops and all things conservation. I had a chance to chat with retired professor and soil health scientist Warren Dick about his presentation, the conference as a whole and his contribution to no-till’s rich history.  

The 2024 National Cover Crop Summit takes place online from March 12 to 14 and features a stacked lineup of 7 different sessions on all things cover crops. Check out this preview of Missouri agronomist Rob Myers’ presentation on cover crops and how they should be managed during a drought vs. during an especially wet season.

Mackane Vogel here, with this week’s cover crop connection. This week, check out some advice from Merlin, Ontario no-tiller Blake Vince, on how to go about putting together a multi-species cover crop mix.