By Andi Anderson
A recent national survey of no-till farmers highlights key trends in the use of cover crops. In 2024, 80.5% of no-till farmers used cover crops, slightly down from the 2023 peak of 83.2%. Weather and tight farm budgets may have affected these numbers.
Farmers mainly use cover crops for erosion control, improved soil biology, and better rainfall infiltration. Yield increases or reduced inputs typically come after 3 to 7 years of consistent use. Major challenges include seeding on time, fall growth before winter, and beating frost.
Farmers had an average of 644 acres in cover crops in 2024, up from 493 acres in 2023. About 25% have fewer than 5 years of experience, while nearly 10% have more than 30 years of practice.
Cereal rye remains the most used crop (70.9%), followed by radish, oats, crimson clover, and wheat. About 42.9% of farmers use 2–3 cover crop species, while 41.8% use 4–9 species. Only 30% used a single species.
Seeding trends show that 84.2% planted cover crops after harvest, while 25.6% seeded before harvest. Drone seeding is growing, rising from 3.4% in 2023 to 11.9% in 2024.
Termination is mainly done through herbicides (90%), followed by winter kill, roller crimping, mowing, and grazing. Corn growers mostly terminate before planting, while soybean growers often wait until after planting.
About 35.4% receive federal funds for cover crops. Others receive state, local, or company support, while a third get no funding.
Interest in carbon credits is rising. Around 53.2% receive credits, and 21.2% plan to explore them in 2024.
The survey shows strong farmer interest in soil health, innovation, and sustainability through the continued use of cover crops.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Ohio, Crops, Sustainable Agriculture