Cover crops are grasses, legumes, or other forbs planted to provide a variety of benefits such as; prevention of soil erosion, providing nutrients, suppressing weeds, and improving soil health.

​

Some common cover crop species used by themselves or in mixes are cereal rye, radish, kale, oats, triticale, annual ryegrass, and turnips.

Depending on what you want to accomplish and the goals of your cover crop determines which species or mixes to use, as different species offer different benefits. 

With the increased popularity of cover crops both, the Freeborn SWCD and NRCS, offer cost share programs for their implementation.

​

Stop by or call the office to determine which program will be the best for you!

Cost Share is for 3 year on up to 60 acres

​

 Number of Species           Payment per Acre

                 1                                          $ 20

                 2                                         $ 30

                 3+                                       $ 40

​

Winter Hardy Incentive: $10/acre/year