Cover Crops

Bill in Colo · Nov 16, 2013

Just returned from the Colo Assoc. of Conservation District annual meeting in Colo Springs.
Keynote program was on cover crops and and what they do for soil health.
Are any of you out there working with the new technology, saw picture of some amazing machines for seeding in standing crops.
I was a wheat fallow farmer for many year before I turned to a grass and cattle only operator. Some of this gives me the itch to try something new.
Thanks Bill

andy r · Nov 16, 2013

A good number of acres of cover crops were seeded in my county/neighborhood in Eastern Iowa this fall. It is sort of the 2nd and 3rd year for doing it. One neighbor has been highlighted either in Wallaces Farmer or Successfull Farming with step by step photos and captions. I think they put down cover crops on every acre and they farm a few thousand I would assume. So, their lead has motivated others. This area would be the northern part of Washington County south of Iowa City. Primary benefits are 1) less soil erosion, 2) adding organic matter, 3) bringing nutrients upward and holding them, 4) soil tilth, and 5) fewer weed problems. I will probably try it in the future. I farm by myself so it is hard to get everything done you want to do. Some of this particular neighbor's fields already look like spring pastures following this past years corn or beans.

Wheat Farmer · Nov 16, 2013

I too was a Wheat fallow farmer in South East corner of the NE pan handle. I did not rotate crops because I didn't have the other equipment, but the neighbors did about every three years or more they would plant soybean or dry land corn. Back in the 50's dad would plant some milo. His Wheat crops did better then than ever. I farmed it four seven year and SHOULD have. I could have sold the milo for bird seed.

tomturkey · Nov 16, 2013

Neighbor seeded 80 acres of corn with cover crop seed across the road from me with an airplane into the standing corn in late August early Sept. I'm glad he let me know as I thought that plane was going to take my chimney and the roof of the barn. I'm having a hard time seeing any growth, maybe in the spring??? gobble

VicS · Nov 16, 2013

There is radishes just north of me looks good. They are 8 inches or so long. The tops are almost a foot tall. It has been down to 18 and made them wither a little but have greened up again, it is in the 50's. Don't know how much it cost to plant them. They spread them in fertilize, and disk them in. My son in law is just planting wheat. Will kill it and plant corn next spring.

farmerwithmutt · Nov 16, 2013

1st one to plant winter wheat in sw wisc neighbors thought i was nuts now they all do .i like to plant oats in fall winter kills it but next year like planting in a garden and mulch holds back weeds

Fergienewbee · Nov 16, 2013

farmerwithmutt;

I planted oats last spring and since I had no way to harvest them, except by hand, I let them go. They reseeded very nicely. It's only about a 1/3 acre food plot but I'm looking forward to working it all under and planting corn next spring.

Larry

OliverGuy · Nov 16, 2013

I had wheat flown on over standing corn. Worked out well, growing good. I think it helps this cruddy clay stay loose, but not sure I'm going to do it on more acres for now.

Dan in Ohio · Nov 16, 2013

Next spring when those radishes start to decompose the neighbors will be calling the gas company to report the odor they smell.

Dan in Ohio · Nov 16, 2013

This is my first attempt at planting a deer/turkey food plot . Rye and oats were seeded mid Sept.

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Have been using rye in my gardens for years, even used radishes once.

Texasmark1 · Nov 17, 2013

I had been thinking about a cover crop in the unlikely chance we will have a good rain and get some run off.....to fill our water storage holes.

Was out spraying fire ants yesterday and found that nature had provided me with one. Little weeds were emerging all over. Fine. They can stay, won't get very big, surely won't mature, won't suck up much fertilizer and in the spring I will do 'em in.

Sounds like a plan.

Mark

Traditional Farmer · Nov 17, 2013

Nothing new about cover crops I've been planting them for over 50 years.I've walked thru standing corn with hand cranked seeder mostly planting Rye
sometimes Crimson Clover,now the big operators use airplanes they had crimson clover all over the place a couple years ago.To be successful just have to match what you plant with your area and the time of year.

El Toro · Nov 17, 2013

I use barley. If it gets too tall for plowing under I will mow it, then plow. I bought 100 lbs for $12.00. Hal

Cover Crops

Bill in Colo

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andy r

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Wheat Farmer

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tomturkey

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VicS

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farmerwithmutt

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Fergienewbee

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OliverGuy

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Dan in Ohio

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Dan in Ohio

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Texasmark1

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Traditional Farmer

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El Toro

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