The practice of using cover crops still has plenty of room for growth, according to the results of the August Purdue Ag Economy Barometer. Forty-one percent of growers with production of more than $500,000 annually said they are currently using cover crops, while 65% of growers responded that they had either used cover crops in the past or were currently using covers.

When seeding cover crops, the method makes a difference. For success in overseeding covers into a standing crop, either by broadcasting with high clearance equipment or aerially applying the seed, consider these tips from Iowa State University Extension.

For growers whose acres were hit hard by the derecho, cover crops can get a boost from more seed-to-soil contact, additional sunlight and more growing time.

An important but often overlooked step in seeding cover crops, drill calibration is easy to accomplish and can prevent wasted seed, time and frustration.