BOONE, Iowa – Amid futuristic tillage and planting equipment, the Farm Progress Show was the backdrop for the release of the 2026 National Cover Crop Report, with results from a nationwide survey conducted by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program, and American Seed Trade Association (ASTA).

The ninth National Cover Crop Report published by CTIC and SARE since 2013 reported strong interest in cover crops among many farmers who produce a wide range of crops and livestock. Respondents to the national survey indicated they planted an average of 397.9 acres in cover crops in 2026, with many anticipating crossing the 400-acre mark by 2027. The reported acreage was a 33 percent increase since 2021.

Highlights of the report include:

- 59 percent of all respondents who plant covers report better overall weed control.

- 68 percent of farmers who use cover crops report better control of herbicide-resistant weeds.

- 57 percent of farmers who “plant green” report improved mid-season moisture management.

- 85 percent of livestock producers who graze cover crops report reduced feed costs.

- 77 percent of livestock producers who graze cover crops said the practice improves profitability.

The online survey was completed by 657 farmers in 46 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Farmers who used cover crops in the past were considered “intermittent users.” Of those intermittent users, 28.6 percent said they were “definitely or probably” open to considering cover crops again, and another 34.7 percent indicated they would “maybe” consider the practice.

According to the report (which is available in its entirety at https://ctic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-National-Cover-Crop-Report-Digital.pdf), integrating livestock may be a way to take cover crops to a new level.

“Livestock show promise in creating added value from cover crop biomass, as well as in helping improve soil health through manure. Even farmers who are not eager to manage livestock themselves can tap into the value animals bring to a cover crop system by teaming up with livestock producers,” its authors noted.

Among 446 cover crop users, 102 (22.9 percent) reported that their cover crops were integrated with either theirs or another grazier’s livestock in 2025. Nineteen growers (4.3 percent) said they harvested cover crops for forage, while 36 (8.1 percent) producers both grazed and harvested cover crops, the survey revealed. “Grazing cover crops is a practice with potential for growth. Among 285 cover crop users who answered ‘no’ to the grazing or harvesting question, 55 (19.3 percent) indicated they would be interested in grazing cover crops in the future and 89 (31.2 percent) said ‘maybe,’” the report reads, in part.

Among those who said “yes” or “maybe” to grazing in the future, the vast majority – 81.6 percent, or 115 of 141 respondents – identified fencing infrastructure as a barrier to grazing. Water infrastructure came in as the second-most-important barrier, identified by 58.9 percent (83 producers) of respondents. Livestock access, limited financial incentives to integrate grazing into a cover crop system, and lack of informational resources were also cited as barriers to implementation.

Only one in 10 (9.9 percent, or 14) farmers surveyed suggested changes to the cover crop program would be necessary before they could introduce grazing to their cover crop system. Producers also listed needs including financial assistance, reduced liability, earlier planting so cover crops would be ready to graze in December, along with concerns over weed pressure on soft, compaction-prone ground.

Going a step further, the survey sought to poll the producer on the benefits of grazing cover crops. “Among the 136 respondents, (115 cover crop users who graze livestock) 84.6 percent identified reduced feed costs as the biggest benefit.

Not far behind, at 70.6 percent (96), was improved soil health. Livestock performance was identified by 47.1 percent (64), and improved calf health noted by 30.9 percent (42) as supplemental benefits of grazing cover crops,” the survey authors reported.

A CTIC-hosted webinar will be held at noon ET on Sept. 24 to share highlights of the full report. Webinar presenters will include Ryan Heiniger, CTIC, Dr. Rob Myers, Missouri University Center for Regenerative Agriculture and SARE, and Andy LaVigne, ASTA. See past reports and the 2026 National Cover Crop Report findings at ctic.org.