Flexibility is Key with Cover Crops

Every year brings new lessons for cover crop management and 2025 is no exception. Here are a few timely insights for the season:

• Growth is behind this year
• Due to a cold and slow March and April, cover crops haven’t reached the height or growth stages we’d typically expect by now.
• Less growth can be good
• Lower biomass may make planting into residue easier and improve seed-to-soil contact.
• Termination timing needs to stay flexible
• Don’t stick to a calendar date. Base your decision on this year’s conditions.
• Soil moisture matters
• In a dry year, early termination helps preserve moisture for your cash crop.
• In a wet year, live cover crops can help draw moisture out to allow timely planting.
• Lean on trusted resources
• Whether it’s a seed advisor, retailer, or experienced neighbor, don’t hesitate to ask for help or advice.
• Share and learn from mistakes
• Often, the most valuable advice comes from farmers willing to share what didn’t work.