Equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities.
With July already here and fall just around the corner, it’s time to think about where to source cover crop seed and, if custom-seeding, who will apply the seed. 

Roger Wilcox , one of the owners of Old 20 Ag Supply near Correctionville, IA notes that to optimize your ROI on cover crop expenses, you should seed within specific windows. He says that if you get everything lined up now, you’re more likely to meet your goals. “Think about your cover crop just as you would your cash crop,” Roger advises. 

PROGRAM UPDATES
Ready to invest in cover crops on your farm?  You could earn $1,600 or more to help off-set the cost – fill out the application now to see if you’re eligible.
IN THE FIELD
We’ve created a directory of businesses to help you meet your cover crop goals. On it, you can find custom applicators, seed suppliers, seed cleaners, and more.

If you offer any cover-crop related services or cover crop seed, email jason@practicalfarmers.org so we can list your business on the directory.
Come harvest time, things can get hectic. Figuring out what your cover crop plan is in advance helps to ensure that seeding cover crops doesn’t fall off your radar.

This decision tree can help you figure out the details of seeding rate and date now so you don’t have to plan during harvest.
Did you grow your own cover crop seed this year? In this video , PFI farmers share advice on the “when” and “how” of small grain harvest.

You can also learn about small grain handling and storage in this video .
UPCOMING EVENTS
This summer, Practical Farmers is hosting all of our field days online —making it easier for you to “attend” field days over a broader geography. Check out the full field day lineup here.
Hosted by:  Practical Farmers and Levi Lyle
TODAY July 2 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Online

Hosted by: Iowa Learning Farm & Practical Farmers
July 8 | 12 – 1 p.m. | Online
 
Hosted by:  Macon County SWCD
July 15 | 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Decatur, IL

Hosted by:  Iowa Learning Farm & Practical Farmers
July 15 | 12 – 1 p.m. | Online
  
Hosted by:  Iowa Learning Farm & Practical Farmers
July 22 | 12 – 1 p.m. | Online
 
Hosted by:  Pasture Project and Keith Berns
July 23 | 2 – 3 p.m. | Online
   
Hosted by:  Soil and Water Conservation Society
July 27-29 | Online
Want to host a virtual cover crop happy hour? We’ll help you with the tech, and how to virtually invite your neighbors to the discussion. Contact Sarah if interested sarah@practicalfarmers.org
 
Are you planning or hosting a cover crop field day—virtual or in person? Send the details to rebecca@practicalfarmers.org , and we’ll include it in our next newsletter.
COVER CROP POLL
When do you typically purchase cover crop seed?
July or before July
August
September or later
I grow my own seed and don't purchase
Want to expand further on this poll topic? Reply to this email and we may feature your thoughts in the next issue of "The Practical Cover Cropper."
 
Send us your cover crop poll ideas! We want to know what YOU want to know, reply to this email with your ideas for the next poll.
Previous poll results:
Who pays for cover crop costs on the land you rent (farmer) or your rented land (landowner)?
  • The tenant - 61%
  • Cost shared between the landowner and the tenant - 23%
  • The landowner - 7%
  • I (the tenant) don’t cover crop rented land - 7%
CONTACT OUR COVER CROPS TEAM
Sarah Carlson
Strategic Initiatives Director
(515) 232-5661
Chris Wilbeck
Independent Contractor
(515) 232-5661
Rebecca Clay
Strategic Initiatives Agronomy Coordinator
(515) 232-5661