All about cover crops: Lower seeding rates, weed control, advice for farmers & more
University of Minnesota Extension’s two-day field School for Ag Professionals is coming up July 29 and July 30, 2026. If you’re an agronomist, a retailer, dealer or consultant, if you’re a summer field scout - we encourage you to attend these small-group, hands-on sessions led in the field by experienced instructors. 12 Certified Crop Advisor CEUs credits are available! For all the details, including info on lodging, visit z.umn.edu/AgFieldSchool2026
It's December and we're rounding out the year with an in-depth discussion on cover crops here on the Nutrient Management Podcast. What are panelists' observations regarding covers with lower seeding rates? What are some pros and cons relating to erosion or nutrient uptake? Does planting early at a lower seed rate vs. planting later with a higher seed rate result in the same outcome? What are some weed control characteristics of cover crops? What advice do our panelists have for farmers new to cover crops? What kinds of state and local resources are available for growers? All this and lots more on today's show so be sure to tune in.
Guests:
- Anna Cates, Extension soil health specialist (St. Paul)
- Ryan Beutow, Minnesota NRCS State Agronomist (St. Paul)
- Eric Yu, Extension educator (Farmington)
Additional Resources:
- UMN Cover Crops row crops
- UMN Cover crops in vegetables
- Cover crop Academy
- MN Agronomy Technical Note 33
- Single species cereal rye cover crop implementation requirements
- Cover Crop Termination Guidelines
- MN NRCS Cover Crop Design Tool
- Midwest Cover Crop Council
- SARE Managing Cover Crops Profitably
- MN Field Office Technical Guide folder on cover crops
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For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on X (formerly twitter), and visit our website.
For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on X (formerly twitter), and visit our website.
If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu.
Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.
