Cover Crops
All Cover Crops Content
Planting Considerations for a Late Spring
Farm fields in some areas are unusually wet this year with many low areas under water. These conditions will make planting a challenge for farmers this year.
Delayed Planting Challenges: Cover Crop Considerations
High waters and saturated soils across many counties in South Dakota have producers worried about getting their crops planted in a timely manner this spring. In many areas, typical cash crops will not be a possibility. Producers may need to develop alternative plans.
Delayed Planting Challenges: Alternative Forages
With the excessively wet planting conditions much of South Dakota is now experiencing, many producers are looking for “Plan B” to meet forage needs for their livestock, or as a commodity that can be marketed to livestock producers.
Peas Offer Options in 2020
Current events have made decisions around crop options very difficult this spring. Field peas are an option that may have a fit for some producers.
Integrating Perennial Crops in Annual Crop Rotations
The Dakota Lakes Research Farm is working to develop cropping systems that include perennial crops, such as switchgrass, big bluestem and alfalfa, to improve long-term soil health and farm productivity.
Thinking Cover Crops? Winter Rye Between Corn and Soybean
Although the 2021 growing season in has been impacted by widespread drought and record-high temperatures, recent rain events have brought planting cover crops back into the conversation.
Making the Best of Hail-Damaged Row Crops
Late-season hail damage can leave growers wondering what to do next. Before deciding what to do with your hail-damaged fields, take some time to consider a variety of management options.
South Dakota Grassland Management School Workshops Set For July 27, 28
July 15, 2021
The 2021 Grassland Management School workshops will be held at the Eck Restoration Project north of Henry, South Dakota on the shores of Warner Lake.
Do Cover Crops and Grazing Harm Soil Properties?
Fact sheet for a study that was conducted to compare short and long-term animal grazing on soil health and water properties at four locations in SD.
Forage Resources for South Dakota Farmers and Ranchers
Producers often have difficulties locating fellow producers to buy, sell or rent forages and grazing acres too. South Dakota now has two widely recognized, free resources to aid in these connections.