Having an expert by my side takes the worry away from me and it makes it easy

“Earlier application of cover crops has been outstanding for fall and spring growth compared to waiting for the crops to be harvested and using an alternative application method.”



— Clint Luellen, Dallas & Boone County Farmer

The Partnership is key

“Our public and private partners are critical to the success of every conservation project underway in Iowa.”

— Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

Winter Rye

Rye is an excellent winter cover crop because it rapidly produces a ground cover that holds soil in place against the forces of wind and water. Rye’s deep roots help prevent compaction in annually tilled fields, and because its roots are quite extensive, rye also has a positive effect on soil tilth.

Compared to other cereal grains, rye grows faster in the fall and produces more dry matter the following spring— up to 10,000 pounds per acre.

Oats

Nutrient catch crop. Oats take up excess N and small amounts of P and K when planted early enough. Late-summer plantings can absorb as much as 77 lb. N/A in an eight- to ten-week period, studies in the Northeast and Midwest have shown.