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Farmer outlines cover crop benefits at PFI conference

Pictured: Iowa farmer Nathan Anderson at the 2025 Practical Farmers of Iowa conference in Des Moines (Photo by Brent Barnett/Brownfield)

Farmers learned about the benefits of cover crops at this year’s Practical Farmers of Iowa annual conference.

Northwest Iowa farmer Nathan Anderson says he’s increased his cover crop acreage over the last 10 years despite some initial challenges getting started.

“You’re adding a crop to a system, so there’s a lot of learning experiences that go along with that, but basic agronomy is basic agronomy. Seeds planted in the right condition with the right environment are going to grow and do what they say they’re going to do.”

He tells Brownfield cereal rye has been a great addition to his rotation. “Works great ahead of soybeans, having something that maybe doesn’t overwinter or a portion of a cover crop mix that doesn’t overwinter as much might be a great opportunity ahead of corn.”

Anderson says his cover crops have also been beneficial to his cattle herd. “With the cattle especially, we’ve used those cover crops to supplement some feed in the spring and the fall.”

Anderson – who raises his corn, soybeans, and cattle in Cherokee County – says his cereal rye has helped hold soils in place during heavy rain events.

INTERVIEW: Iowa farmer Nathan Anderson