From Erosion Control to Soil Health: The Value of Cover Crops


By Tara Desmond March 19, 2026

Cover crops are gaining attention as farmers look for ways to protect their soil and improve long-term productivity.


In the latest episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray sits down with farmer and agronomist David Kleinschmidt to discuss the benefits and challenges of incorporating cover crops into a farming system. Kleinschmidt explains that cover crops are planted between cash crops and can help reduce erosion from wind and rain while keeping living roots in the soil longer.


Beyond erosion control, cover crops can help support soil microbes, improve nutrient cycling and contribute to better soil structure over time. Kleinschmidt also notes that while there can be a learning curve, farmers don’t have to start big. Simple approaches such as seeding cereal rye after harvest or flying on oats and radishes earlier in the season can help producers begin experimenting with the practice.


While every farm is different, Kleinschmidt encourages farmers to start small, stay flexible and focus on their long-term goals for soil health and farm management.


Not a member?

Become one today!

SHARE THIS

Latest Posts

agronomy angle
By Matt Montgomery May 18, 2026
Watch for fireflies and cottonwood fluff - they tell you exactly when rootworms are hatching and whether spring rains actually hurt their numbers.
thumnail of shane and Greg
By Tara Desmond May 14, 2026
Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers joins IL Corn TV to discuss viral ag content, growing a family farm, and building a social media brand.
crop progress photo
By Tara Desmond May 14, 2026
Nitrogen, Family, Scholarships, Agronomy, Advocacy and More. Check out April stories featuring some amazing people.
cover crops
By Tara Desmond May 14, 2026
16-year farmer & professor Pete Fandel shares expert cover crop species tips for corn and soybean rotations in the Midwest.
Fuel price signs on the U.S. Capitol lawn with the Capitol dome in the background
By Lyndi Allen May 14, 2026
The U.S. House of Representatives took a major step toward nationwide, year-round E15 sales this week by passing H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act
Annie H.
By Tara Desmond May 14, 2026
The Illinois Livestock Development Group (ILDG) recently welcomed Annie Hadden as its new Director of Livestock Development. As one of several commodity partners supporting ILDG alongside the Illinois Beef Association , Illinois Farm Bureau , Illinois Milk Producers Association , Illinois Pork Producers Association and Illinois Soybean Association , IL Corn has a vested interest in seeing livestock production thrive across the state. A strong livestock industry means a stronger market for Illinois corn, and a stronger Illinois agriculture overall. Get to Know Annie: Where It All Began For Hadden, the livestock industry isn't a career she stumbled into but one she was born into. Growing up in Southeastern Indiana, she spent every Sunday on her grandfather's farm, where her love for agriculture first took root. "My passion for the livestock industry started at a young age, right there on my grandpa's farm every Sunday afternoon," Hadden said. "Though at a small scale comparatively, there is livestock on both sides of my family lineage tracing back as far as the eye can see." When her family eventually moved to the farm after her grandfather's passing, Hadden threw herself into 4-H, showing dairy feeder steers, beef steers, and eventually sheep adding fuel to a fire that still burns brightly today. "My passion for the livestock industry grew and developed over time, and today, it burns as bright as ever," she said.
Green logo with Illinois outline, corn graphic, and bold white text reading “NEWS RELEASE”
By Lindsay Croke May 13, 2026
IL Corn Growers Association President Mark Bunselmeyer reacted to the U.S. House of Representatives passage of year-round E15 legislation
IL Corn TVThumbnail
By Tara Desmond May 7, 2026
ISU student Jacob Edens shares how a childhood tractor ride sparked a farming passion, a Ford 8N restoration, and building ag community at college.
Dr. Laura Gentry
By Tara Desmond May 7, 2026
Dr. Laura Gentry named ADT President, helping ensure transparency in ag data and keeping farmers in control of how their data is used and protected.
Lena and Callahan
By Tara Desmond May 7, 2026
Illinois corn farmer and board director Lena Head celebrates her first Mother’s Day after welcoming baby Callahan during planting season.
Show More