Issue 1 | August 2024
As we approach the end of summer and harvest nears, it’s the perfect time to discuss the benefits of fall cover crops with our growers. County Soil & Water Conservation Districts offer cost-share opportunities for cover crops, reduced tillage, nutrient management, and soil health. From Winter Cereal Rye for suppressing weeds and adding biomass, to Crimson Clover for nitrogen fixation, options like Turnips, Winter Camelina, Kale, and Radish provide diverse benefits suited to various needs. Post-harvest seeding using a planter or drill between September and November offers an efficient option, especially for those new to cover crops or managing large acreage. Listed below are the recommended rates for the fall cover crops in Minnesota.
Kale: 3-10 lbs/acre
Cold tolerant
Breaks up soil compaction
Turnip: 1-5 lbs/acre
Good source of sulfur
Late winter grazing
Radish: 1-10 lbs/acre
Rapid growth
Breaks up soil compaction
Winter Camelina: 4-6 lbs/acre
Fights soil compaction
Scavenges excess nitrogen and phosphorus
Crimson Clover: 10-15 lbs/acre
Nitrogen fixing
Rapid spring growth
Winter Cereal Rye: 55-83 lbs/acre
Scavenge nitrogen
Weed suppression
Private Cover Crop Cost Share Funds?
Did you know Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) offers private cover crop cost-share dollars in Minnesota that can be stacked on USDA-NRCS and SWCD funds? This program is now open and accepting enrollment! Application Deadline closes December 2, 2024, for the fall 2024 cover crop seeding window.
Payment rates are $10 or $15 per acre on an unlimited number of acres!
Visit bit.ly/PlantCovers24 to learn more and sign up! Applications only takes 10 minutes to complete!
2025 USDA-NRCS EQIP Application Deadline is September 6, 2024
New funds are available to help improve Minnesota Soil Health. Grant applications are now open to individual producers, producer groups, and tribal and local governments to purchase or retrofit soil health equipment. Grant awards will provide up to 50% cost-share, with a minimum award of $500 and a maximum award of $45,000.00. Examples of eligible new or used equipment include, but are not limited to, no-till drills, air seeders, strip tillage units, and more.
Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/soilhealthgrant to learn more and sign up! The application deadline is August 30, 2024.
Upcoming Local Soil Health Events:
August 15, 2024
4:30pm-7:00pm
David Neske’s Farm
2562 2nd Street SW Buffalo, MN 55313
Register Here: https://arcg.is/1GqWrf0
August 29, 2024
3:00pm-7:30pm
Bruce Heike’s Farm
3803 McDowell Road Holyoke, MN 55749
Register Here: https://forms.gle/x61uGiMjixkE37Pn8
SAVE THE DATE:
Minnesota State Cattleman Association Summer Tour
July 15, 2025
Little Falls, MN