NRCS

Defining Soil Health Terms

January 18, 2021

Soil health can be hard to understand if you do not know the “lingo” or terminology. Here’s a short primer on soil health terms. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.

[Podcast] Grazing Covers Can Help Livestock Producers Save Money

This week’s podcast, sponsored by Yetter Equipment, features an interview with Victor Shelton, NRCS State Agronomist and Grazing Specialist for Indiana. Shelton discusses challenges growers must tackle when grazing cover crops, how to use cover crops to extend the grazing season, how growers can fit grazing into a crop rotation system, and more.

October 21, 2020 | Posted in Grazing

This week’s podcast, sponsored by Yetter Equipment, features an interview with Victor Shelton, NRCS State Agronomist and Grazing Specialist for Indiana. Shelton discusses challenges growers must tackle when grazing cover crops, how to use cover crops to extend the grazing season, how growers can fit grazing into a crop rotation system, and more.

[Video] Conservation Connections: Meet Derek Van De Hey

October 8, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Dairy farmer Derek Van De Hey, De Pere, WI, discusses how he implements cover crops and no-till on their 2,500 acres. Van De Hey shares how these practices have helped improve soil health and reduce input costs.

USDA Rule Change Could Help Producers Implement More Conservation Activities

October 8, 2020

The USDA released the final rule for its Conservation Stewardship Program that makes updates required by the 2018 Farm Bill and includes potential payments for cover crop rotations, advanced livestock management and creating a comprehensive conservation plan.

Indiana Leads the Nation in Cover Crop Acres

September 9, 2020 | Posted in Economics

Source: AgriNews

An annual survey that was published recently shows Indiana continues to lead the nation in the acres of cover crops planted. The information collected during the fall transect also shows farmers are implementing no-till and strip-tillage practices. Read more in this article from Agri-News.

Evaluation of Cool-Season Cover Crop Varieties

September 9, 2020

A new publication has been released from the NRCS Plant Materials Program that may be of interest to growers using cover crops in the north central U.S.

Cover Crops Can Help Reduce Forage Shortages

August 19, 2020 | Posted in Grazing

Source: Southeast Ag Net

Livestock market complications that reduce calf sales can cause unexpected forage demands. Droughts can compound the problem leading to forage deficiencies, while forage shortages can cause poor animal performance, overgrazed and degraded pastures, and increased expenses. Read more in this article from Southeast AgNet.

[Video] Protecting Soil Health with Cover Crops

May 4, 2020 | Posted in Seeding Practices

A Tennessee farmer discusses why he uses cover crops to keep his topsoil on his farm, scavenge nutrients, and erosion control.

Soil Health Practices Help Minnesota Farmer

April 8, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: The Calendonia Argus (Houston County, MN)

As more and more farms find different ways to utilize their land, one Minnesota farm is using soil health practices to help them out. Connor McCormick, who farms just outside of Caledonia along with his dad Kevin, said their first time using a cover crop – cereal rye – turned out pretty good. Read more in this article from the Caledonia Argus (Houston County, MN).

Economic Incentives of Soil Health are Growing

March 23, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Farm Talk

As soil health takes on a higher profile with food companies and consumers, various avenues are emerging for farmers to collect environmental incentives. The growing number of soil health programs can seem overwhelming, but one farmer and soil health advocate believes it’s a case of more is better. Read more in this article from Farm Talk.