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Latest National Cover Crop Survey shows cover crop acreage expected to grow

The latest National Cover Crop Survey found that respondents expect cover crop acreage to continue to grow.

Dr. Rob Myers with the University of Missouri says farmers are seeing the benefits of sustainable ag practices.

“We’re seeing farmers that are using those cover crops to help them manage soil moisture, improving rainfall infiltration, and soil moisture holding capacity, which can help in dry periods,” he says. “They can also improve soil drainage, which helps in wet periods and even planting green.”

He says the increase isn’t just coming from farmers that have been using cover crops, but, “We are getting new adopters. We have over a 150,000 farm families that are using cover crops. They start with one or two fields and then gradually add more.”

The survey polled more than 650 farm advisors from 47 different states. Respondents provided information on how often they advise growers on cover crop practices. The annual report is conducted by the CTIC, Sustainable Ag Research and Education group, and the American Seed Trade Association.