News

H2Ohio extends cover crop deadline

The Ohio Department of Agriculture is extending the deadline for farmers in the H2Ohio program to plant cover crops this season.

The original deadline has been moved to November 15^th because of the late harvest and difficult weather growers have been experiencing.

As of last week, nearly 20 percent of Ohio’s soybeans and 70 percent of corn were not harvested.

Farmers in 24 counties throughout the Western Lake Erie Basin have enrolled 1.2 million acres in best management practices, which includes planting overwintering cover crops since the program began in 2019.

• Why would you specify any deadline at all for planting of cover crops.

  Lots of reasons for delay, including soil conditions, weather, equipment usage, labor shortages, and seed availability.

  Must be a reason!!

  Reply

  • Bob,
    That’s a great question! Farmers can plant cover crops whenever is best for their rotations. This deadline is specific for H2Ohio enrolled farmers. Perhaps reaching out directly to program contacts can help you find the answer. https://h2.ohio.gov/contact-us/ Thank you for your comment.

    Reply