Cover Crop Options For Soybeans In Wisconsin

Sep 15, 2022

Cover crop species recommendations change depending on where you are. The map below is divided between Northern and Southern Wisconsin – click one of the maps below to view the recommendations for that area.

Crop

crop

Northern Wisconsin Cover Crop Options

Small grains / grasses

Cereal rye is the most reliable option for seeding grass cover crops after October 1^st. If able to seed prior to October 1^st, triticale is another grass cover crop option. With sufficient snow cover, both cereal rye and triticale will survive the winter and require termination in the spring. Triticale has higher feed quality than cereal rye. Therefore, for dairy operations looking to harvest the cover crop in the spring, triticale may be preferable. If harvesting the cover crop as a forage, significant attention should be paid to harvest restrictions of herbicides used during the previous two growing seasons.

Brassicas

Due to limited time for establishment and growth, it is not recommended to plant any of the brassicas after soybeans. There is not enough growing degree days left in the season to provide any cover crop benefits.

Legumes

Due to limited time for establishment and growth, it is not recommended to plant any of the legumes after soybeans. There is not enough growing season for them to develop nodules and fix nitrogen.

Southern Wisconsin Cover Crop Options

Small grains / grasses

Cereal Rye and triticale are both cover crops that can be planted well into October in Southern WI. Both will survive the winter and require some management to terminate them in the spring. Rye is more winter hardy than triticale so for very late planting dates, rye is preferable. Triticale has higher feed quality than rye so for dairy operations looking to take a spring forage cut, triticale may be preferable. If harvesting the cover crop as a forage, significant attention should be paid to harvest restrictions of herbicides used during the previous two growing seasons.

Other grasses, such as annual ryegrass. oats, barley are generally not recommended for planting after soybeans because they will winterkill and there are not sufficient enough growing degree days after soybean harvest for these cover crops to produce enough residue to protect the soil in the spring. However, if these grasses are planted during the soybean growing season, they may be options. Please see the aerial seeding page to read more about this option.

Source : wisc.edu

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.