Cover Crop Cost-share Dollars Available in Minnesota
Rural Advantage, in partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa, is seeking agricultural producers interested in utilizing cover crops. Cost-share dollars are available.
As part of an NCR-SARE Research and Education grant project, Rural Advantage is seeking farmers willing to establish cover crops. Funding is available for up to $20 per acre for up to 20 acres [$400 maximum per farm]. Participating farmers may plant the cover crop(s) of their desire. A demonstration aspect and simple reporting will be required. Funding for the project runs from Fall 2009 to Fall 2012. Farmers from all areas of Minnesota are welcome to participate.
Cover crops are capable of providing multiple benefits when placed on the landscape. These benefits include: decreased soil erosion, increased soil organic matter, and increased soil nutrients. Common cover crops for Minnesota include: winter rye, oats, barley, field pea, and red clover. Cover Crops can easily be used after canning crop harvest, silage harvest, or small grain harvest. It is also possible to use cover crops in a corn/soybean rotation. Cover Crops are ideal for prevented plant acres as well.
For more information, contact Jill Sackett, UMN Extension Educator – Conservation Agronomist, at the Rural Advantage office at 507-238-5449 or sacke032@umn.edu.
Want more information? Read more in this Project Profile, or see the related SARE grant LNC09-313, Farmer Field School Approach to Increasing Cover Crop Adoption in Iowa and Minnesota.
