Farmer Field School Approach to Increasing Cover Crop Adoption in Iowa and Minnesota: Minnesota Happenings

Abstract

North Central Region – Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education [NCR-SARE] grant partners Practical Farmers of Iowa [PFI] and Rural Advantage feel that one tool to increase the sustainability of annual cropping systems is the utilization of cover crops. The benefits of cover crops are numerous and varied, from decreasing soil erosion to increasing soil tilth, but still there is a lack of adoption in both Iowa and Minnesota. The goals of this project include: 1) education and outreach through farmer-led field days, workshops, listening sessions, surveys, evaluations, and media stories; 2) increased number of cover crop acres through cost-share funds and improved cover crop education; and 3) assist in the development of a cover crop decision tool via information collected from surveys, evaluations, and cost-share demonstration acres. The effectiveness of the project will be evaluated through survey results; number of attendees at events; number of inquiries about cover crops; and increased number of cover crop acres.