February 2012

Cover Crop Use in Corn & Soybean production
Feb. 13, 2012
The latest case study from the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) at the University of Wisconsin showcases the Gary Sommers farm. Mr. Sommers raises nearly 1500 acres of corn and soybeans, and has been using cover cropping extensively for 20 years. Read more

January 2012

New Water Quality Practice from Leopold Center
Jan. 17, 2012
The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University documented reduced nitrate outflow from tile drainage due to the use of a new conservation practice called a "saturated buffer." The practice involves diverting drainage water from a tile system to a riparian buffer area. Read more

December 2011

Cover Crop Use in Market Vegetable Production
Dec. 15, 2011
The Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison released this case study of cover cropping on the Jen-Ehr Family Farm, a vegetable production operation near Madison. Paul Erhardt discusses cover crop strategies, benefits, and management over 10 years on his farm.Read the case study

November 2011

World-Changing Idea: Perennial Crops
Nov. 21, 2011
Perennial crops get a nod in the Dec. 2011 Scientific American. A one-page article by Christopher Mims highlights new genetic technology that eases breeding of perennial crops; successes in Africa with interplanting annual grain crops with perennial legumes; and the long-term potential for conversion of annual cropland to perennial grain crops.

October 2011

Expanded Cover Crop Decision Tool
Oct. 19, 2011
The Cover Crop Decision Tool has just been expanded to include Minnesota and Wisconsin. Please visit the Midwest Cover Crop Council (MCCC) to begin exploring your cover crop options.

Future Friendly Farming Report
Oct. 5, 2011
National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has released a new report: Future Friendly Farming: Seven Agricultural Practices to Sustain People and the Environment. The report outlines practices that address environmental concerns from water quality to wildlife habitat to reducing carbon pollution while at the same time maintaining or improving farm income. This report is a timely reminder that Farm Bill conservation programs not only help farmers transition to these practices, but provide a tremendous value by delivering numerous benefits to everyone, including farmers. Read more & download the full report