There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to utilizing cover crops. Cover crops can be a boon for soil health, but how much the covers can improve the soil depends on how much biomass that cover crop species produces.
As harvest wraps up, it’s time for growers to get started planting cover crops. However, it’s important to consider the potential impact of residual activity of any herbicides used on previous crops grown in fields where covers will be seeded.
Autonomous technology is revolutionizing every aspect of our lives, in ways we can’t even imagine yet. Agriculture will eventually be impacted by this technology, with seemingly limitless potential for evolution in how crops are grown, monitored, sprayed and harvested.
Farmers are feeling optimistic about the future, and many are planning to include cover crops in that bright future, according to information recently published by the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer.
With harvest season upon us, that means it’s also time for another major undertaking — planting covers after harvest. A recent cover crop survey by the Soil Health Partnership found that more than half of farmers planted cover crops between the middle of September and the beginning of November.
Harvest has not quite started yet in most parts of the U.S., but it will be here soon. That means that many growers are also gearing up for seeding cover crops after harvest is completed.
Without the soil, no farming would exist. Growers should be fixated with maximizing every inch of soil and improving the various factors that impact soil health.
The Lion King is one of my favorite Disney movies. One of the key principles of the story is the concept of the “circle of life” — how everything in nature is interconnected. Science has shown us that it’s true.
The COVID-19 pandemic, arguably the most defining event of 2020, has exposed the gaps in our nation’s food supply chain. Remember when news reports and social media were showing mountains of fresh produce that were stuck on farms, unable to be transported to grocery stores or processing facilities due to the pandemic?
Growers tend to “buy local” more than the average consumer, in my experience. This is not a bad thing. However, patronizing the local ag retailer can play a role in what services a grower can utilize, including cover crops.
The National No-Tillage Conference returns January 7-10, 2025!Build and refine your no-till system with dozens of new ideas and connections at the 33rd Annual National No-Tillage Conference in Louisville, Ky. Jan. 7-10, 2025. 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.
I’m in Sacramento, Calif., this week at FIRA USA and we’re just going to get right into it. Why don’t you take a look at some of the newest and most exciting Ag technology on display at this year’s conference.