Jason Miller

Conservation Agronomist, NRCS, Pierre, S.D.

CLASSROOM #5: Facing Down Challenges with Establishing Cover Crops in Northern Regions

Without the abundant growing degree days and warmth of southern areas, no-tillers in the Upper Midwest certainly face challenges getting cover crops into their rotations, much less establishing a more diverse mix with something other than just cereal rye. But Jason Miller says the situation isn’t hopeless.

The conservation agronomist for the NRCS in Pierre, S.D., draws on his research and experiences at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm and other areas to discuss cover crop species selection in these areas and the advantages of diversifying rotations beyond corn and soybeans to get fuller-season covers established. Healso touches  on some yield data for grazing cover crops in dryland systems and controlling potential compaction challenges.