Corn and Soybeans together?

Corn and Soybeans together?

corn cover crops

Dave Brandt a leading Cover Crops advocate and farmer, is trying to grow soybeans as a nitrogen source on his farm.  He seeds the soybeans between the corn rows.  It is an interesting idea that Brandt says is working.  Read more in Farm Futures.

Cover crop Planting Time

Cover crop Planting Time

cover crops

We are fast approaching the end of the covercrop seeding time for many crops.  If you are flying one radish, annual ryegrass, or many other crops, now is the time.  The recent rain should be advantageous, especially if the seed is out there,  Cereal Rye can be planted as late as Thanksgiving, but if those fields will be planted to corn, be sure and kill it early in the spring.  Soybeans can be planted into rye more easily.

On the Fence about Cover Crops?

On the Fence about Cover Crops?

cover crops

If you are still thinking about whether or not to plant cover crops this fall, it is decision time.  If you are deciding on species, The Midwest Cover Crops Council can help.  Species to choose depends on goals, desired planting method, desired kill method, and planned crop for 2016.  If you are deciding on fields, pick your least productive.  You are likely to get a quick response on poor ground. You need to get seed ordered now.  You need to figure out how you are going to plant now.  If you plan to fly seed on, you need to line up a flyer now.  We have seen some good results with cover crops including better weed control, better crop vigor, and excellent control of wind erosion.  

Soybeans Planted in Cover Crop

Soybeans Planted in Cover Crop

cover crops

The soybeans below were planted early in a cover crop of Cereal Rye. The beans look excellent.  The weed control is excellent.  The producer likes to plant into green cover crop because he says the planter works better.  You can't argue with success.  This field is near Portage Des Sioux, Missouri.

Soybeans in Cover Crop

Hog Farm with Cover Crops

Hog Farm with Cover Crops

cover crops livestock

Janette Swarts shared this picture of  hog farm using cover crops.

Cover Crop Tolerance to Herbicides

Cover Crop Tolerance to Herbicides

cover crops weeds

Last week, I wrote about planning for cover crops now.  Herbicide damage to the cover crop is one thing to look at.  Iowa State University recently published some ratings for cover crops and herbicides.  In general, cereal rye looks to be the most tolerant and Tillage radish the most sensitive.  Click the link above to read the article in No-Till Farmer.

Make Cover Crop Plans Now

Make Cover Crop Plans Now

cover crops

If you are thinking about cover crops this fall, now is the time to start planning.  Chemical interactions, available seed, and timing of planting all need to be considered.  The Illinois Council on Best Management Practices is hosting a series of meetings around the state to help with  planning and decision making.  Click on the link to find one in your area.