Description: Economics of Cover Crops

A study by ISU economists and agronomists and Practical Farmers of Iowa found that Iowa farmers tend to obtain negative returns on cover crops, unless feed cost savings from grazing or forage usage can be realized. Results are robust to cash crop rotations, cover crop species, management practices, and years of experience with cover crops. Since farmers cannot be expected to massively adopt cover crops solely based on long-term soil health and water quality benefits, the authors will discuss ways to cut annual costs and improve the economic viability of cover crops in the short run. This session will be presented by Alejandro Plastina, extension economist, and Sarah Carlson, Midwest cover crop director.