By Trevor Berger, Conservation Specialist
The Holmes Soil & Water Conservation District (HSWCD) is always trying to look forward, providing the most benefit to our producers. While we are enjoying spring-like temperatures, we realize this seems early to talk about cover crops. However, the better we can plan and gauge interest, the more leverage we have to get the most from available programs.
I’m not going to try and sell you on the benefit of covers crops. Ask your neighbor with a green field in March; they will tell you the pros and cons. We have seen a consistent uptick from our end on program enrollment and acres planted. The figure below illustrates the 2021 acreage planted through the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District’s (MWCD) Cover Crop Program. We are proud of this roughly 6,000 acres but also know there is room for expansion. Participation in the MWCD program allows for several methods of field application eligible for reimbursement:
1. There will always be the option for producers with no-till drill equipment to apply for reimbursement, plant their own cover crop and provide seed tags.
2. We have led the effort to streamline an aerial application program through Fisher Ag Service. With aerial application you apply for eligible acres, we coordinate the fly-on (September 6-7, 2022), seed, and incorporate the program reimbursement into your final invoice directly from us.
3. To bolster even more accessibility, we are working with MWCD and F.K. Agronomics to offer a drone seeding option in 2022. This option will work similarly to the aerial fly-on coordination and invoicing with one exception--each producer will be required to source their own seed and have it at the farm at the time of application. Our initial plans are to offer two different application dates based on producer interest--one in early August and one for October.
Benefits of utilizing a drone to seed cover crops include application to smaller fields with limited access; access to fields not traditionally available for aerial application; application near livestock (it is quieter than an airplane); ability to closely follow contour strips; lower application altitude for better control; more seed options; and no soil compaction. With benefits there are limitations; a smaller payload capacity restricts application rates for larger/heavier seed; larger fields (over 20 acres) are better suited to other application methods; and it takes a little longer than conventional aerial application.
As MWCD is working to finalize their 2022 cost-share amount and eligible acreage we though it prudent to gauge the interest in this program (remember that numbers as leverage statement above.) We have developed a survey that was sent to previous MWCD program participants and other interested producers via our email, Facebook, and the US Mail. We will also be at the Farmerstown Auction on Tuesday March 29th and Mt. Hope Auction barn on March 30th if you want a hard copy or have questions.
Stop in the office, give us a call at 330-674-2811, or check out our website at HolmesSWCD.com/cover- crops-2022 if you are interested and didn’t see your direct invitation. All are welcome to participate.