Cover crops offer many benefits to producers that increase farm profitability and environmental sustainability. We have seen increasing interest in the use of cover crops for a variety of reasons. Costs of fertilizer and concerns about water quality have prompted farmers to inquire about the use of cover crops to produce and retain nutrients while minimizing soil erosion.

We hosted a Cover Crop Twilight Field Day in west central Ohio in earlier this month that drew 62 farmers from 11 different counties. They came to see and feel seed, dig around in the dirt and check out demonstration plots as they were planted. Following farmer suggestions, species no-tilled into wheat stubble included: oilseed radish, forage and bin run oats, cereal rye, Sudan grass, Austrian winter pea, cow pea, buckwheat, bin run wheat, crimson clover and chickling vetch.

Alan Sundermeier, co-coordinator of Ohio State University Extension’s Sustainable Agriculture Team provided insight on recommended seed rates, depths and dates and weed control.  His comments and handouts generated lots of questions and lively discussion among those on hand.

Incentive programs worth up to $50 per acre for cover crops used to protect cropland draining into the Great Miami River are now available. Consequently, interest in details offered by Loramie Valley Alliance and SWCD Coordinator Jason Bruns was high.

Liquid beef manure will be applied to one half of all of each of the 50 ft. long demonstration plots. All of the plots will be left untouched until spring planting. Demonstrated seedings into the wheat stubble will be identified through the corn growing season, enabling farmers to visually compare the impact of cover crops on growing corn. Sundermeier plans to sample for soil nitrate in each plot after a killing frost this fall and next spring prior to planting. Additional data is to be collected from tissue analysis in growing corn, comparing the nutrient boosting potential of each cover crop species. In a nearby soybean field, Austrian winter pea, cereal rye, oats and wheat will all be broadcast before leaf drop, and also drilled after soybean harvest. This demonstration will be maintained until planting next spring. Anyone is welcome to monitor the impact of these plantings. The well marked demonstration plots are located about 3 miles east of Anna, Ohio (exit 99 on I-75), one mile south of St. Rt. 119 on Pasco Montra Road, then less than one half mile east on Meranda Road. Parking on grassed filter strips next to the plots and planned walking paths between different species allow for easy access.

Why consider cover crops? Our traditional use of red, sweet and other clovers or grasses are familiar to most of us. Legume (peas and clovers) cover crops are typically used to produce homegrown nitrogen. Grass cover crops help increase soil organic matter, recycle excess nutrients, and reduce soil compaction. Brassica crops are grown to loosen the soil, recycle nutrients, and suppress weeds. Some other cover crops can suppress insects, disease, weeds, or attract beneficial insects. Cover crops also contribute to the mineralization of nutrients from the soil itself, making them available to the following crops.

Look for more “green power” cover crop information as time progresses.

Taking in the county fair is a time honored tradition in many areas, ours is no exception. While tastes for food and entertainment may change over time, people consistently value relationships established over the years. Hearing details, related to escapades of various individuals in their youth decades later, almost always brings forth hearty laughter. Sometimes lessons were learned that have proved beneficial in the game of life. I never cease to be amazed by the positive influence of both the 4-H and FFA programs.

When I walk the fairgrounds, farmers stop to share stories about present crop conditions, thoroughly describe what new practice seems to be working well, or lament about a missed marketing opportunity.

Overall, our corn, soybeans and hay fields are growing well, a point reinforced by many.

Last week, a local dairy farmer indicated that he had heard a katydid, a Mother Nature suggestion that the first frost is a mere six weeks away. If accurate, this is a significant concern since a majority of our corn and soybean crop was planted in the second half of May and some in early June. A frost in mid-September could also eliminate any chance of profit from double crop soybeans.
The same individual stated that one of the best investments he made this year was the acquisition of a bale wrapper. High moisture hay making allows more timely harvest and improves palatability, while reducing the stress from unreliable weather forecasts.

Another dairyman requested insight on the citing of a new free stall barn. With a son graduating from college next spring, he was looking forward to construction in 2010. We agreed to continue our discussion after the fair during an on-site visit.

A committed no-tiller noted that relatively simple drainage improvements on a rental farm could pay big dividends if put in place. His challenge was convincing the landlord the investment could be made without impairing the wildlife populations on the property. We plan to strategize on this issue with the local SWCD.
Many farmers marveled at wheat yields that may set a record in west central Ohio in 2009. Weather conditions limited diseases during critical growth stages and relatively cool late May and June temperatures extended the grain fill period.

Summation: There is much to be learned at the county fair.

Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.