Although many growers may consider the “ideal” time to plant cover crops to be immediately after harvest, having snow on the ground is not a reason to give up on utilizing the benefits cover crops can offer. This is where frost seeding comes into play as a cover crop seeding method.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced a new pilot program that enables farmers in the Prairie Pothole region to receive payments for planting cover crops on their land for three to five years. The new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP) pilot is available to producers in Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

The Midwest Cover Crops Council has introduced a new website design, making it easier for users to find resources and access the site on mobile technology.

With small grain harvest completed and corn silage harvest coming up, Penn State Extension says now is the time to get cover crop seed and have plans prepared to keep the soil covered.