Benchmark Study

Cereal Rye, Post-Harvest Planting & Air Seeding Grow in Popularity

mvogel@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Cover Crop Costs, Popularity of Planting Green Remain Steady

mpaukner@lessitermedia.com — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Farmers across the U.S. continue to find success with cover cropping and planting green, according to the 2023 Cover Crops Operational Practices Survey.

Key Takeaways From 3rd Annual Cover Crop Benchmark Study

nnewman@lessitermedia.com — Tue, 31 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Farmers from 30 different states participated in the 3rd annual Cover Crop Benchmark Study. The comprehensive survey featured 48 questions about several topics including management practices, motivations, challenges and expenses in 2021 and plans for 2022. Here are 5 key takeaways.

Cover Crop Interseeding Increasing Amongst Growers

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 11:43:00 -0400

Roughly one-third of growers participating in the 2021 Cover Crop Strategies Cover Crop Benchmark Study are using the practice, compared to 13.5% in the 2020 study.

One-Third of Growers Use Cover Crops for Grazing, According to Annual Study

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 11:49:00 -0400

Using cover crops as livestock feed can provide additional synergy to growing cover crops while providing additional soil health benefits and an extra income stream.

Study: Improving Soil Biology Highest Priority for Growers Using Covers

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 10:18:00 -0400

Farmers ask a lot of the soil. But they’re also seeking to take care of the soil, according to the results of Cover Crop Strategies’ 2021 Cover Crop Benchmark Study.

Most Cover Crops Seeded in Fall, Winter

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 05:34:00 -0400

With so much to be done during fall harvest time and over the winter, 85% of growers are also seeding cover crops during this time frame. That is what the results of the second annual Cover Crop Strategies Cover Crop Benchmark Study found to be the case.

Soil Health Benefits Top Reason Growers Planting Cover Crops

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 09:16:00 -0400

More and more governments and organizations are offering incentives to growers to offset costs of planting cover crops. But over half of growers don’t receive incentive payments, according to results from Cover Crop Strategies’ 2nd annual Cover Crop Benchmark Study.

Seeding the Promise & Potential of Cover Crop Adoption

Tue, 18 May 2021 14:02:00 -0400

More and more growers are seizing the numerous benefits that cover crops can provide. Growers are also finding additional ways to make cover crops put more money in their pockets. The results of the second annual Cover Crop Benchmark Study support both statements.

Equipment Options Make Interseeding a Viable Practice

jdobberstein@lesspub.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 12:22:00 -0400

Whether by airplane, spreader or toolbar, interseeding cover crops into cash crops is a trend that appears to be growing in popularity as a way for growers to accommodate weather challenges, increase crop diversity and boost soil health more efficiently. The Cover Crop Benchmark Study released this year by Cover Crop Strategies details some of the first in-depth data available in the ag industry on interseeding practices for U.S. farmers, including equipment utilized and planting timings that work for growers.

Grazing Livestock on Cover Crops: A Practice with Room to Grow

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 15:13:00 -0400

For growers who use cover crops, grazing is the next level of utilization if the proper opportunity presents itself. If a grower owns their own livestock, cover crops are an additional feed source, especially during winter months when hay and other forages are more expensive.

Farmers’ Biggest Challenge with Growing Cover Crops: Time

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 15:30:00 -0400

Using cover crops is not a short-term investment. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. Cover crops are an investment in the long-term soil health and a conscious decision to focus more on stewardship of the land rather than short-term profits.

Planting Green Cover Crops into Cash Crops Can Be Successful

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 10:40:00 -0400

Planting green has never been more popular. Growers’ interest in planting green is increasing, according to the results of the first-ever Cover Crop Benchmark Study conducted by Cover Crop Strategies.

Most Cover Crops Seeded in Fall, Winter

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 15:30:00 -0400

Once harvest is completed in the fall, many growers want to take a big sigh of relief—that year’s cropping season is finished. But for those who want to take advantage of cover crops, wrapping up harvest means it’s time to dust off the drill.

Cereal Rye Most Popular Cover Crop Species

Wed, 27 May 2020 08:17:00 -0400

Can you name 10 species of cover crops? No, this isn’t a riddle — it’s actually easier than you think. An easy place to start: cereal rye.

Growers Invest in Cover Crops for Soil Health Benefits

Fri, 22 May 2020 11:28:00 -0400

The results from the first annual Cover Crop Strategies Benchmark Study found the majority of growers do not receive incentive payments to plant cover crops, while soil health benefits are their top reasons for growing covers.

Cover Crops & Tillage: Find What Works for Your Operation

Tue, 12 May 2020 11:40:00 -0400

When I was a kid, I loved reading choose-your-own-adventure books. You never knew where you were going to end up or how things would turn out. Farming is a lot like a choose-your-own-adventure story.

Growers Using Cover Crops Are Mostly New to the Practice

Thu, 07 May 2020 16:28:00 -0400

Data from the first-ever Cover Crop Benchmark Study finds many growers are new to cover crops and are starting with smaller plantings.