Fertile Fields. Higher Yields. Plan On It.ii

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COVER CROPSRESOURCE GUIDE

2014 oo

BYRON SEEDS

Friends,

Farming in America is in constant change, as you know very well. Changes are inevitable, but the question is, Are we ready to change?

Where do we think farming will be 20 years from today? Farming will change because the market will change. Are we ready to flex and change where necessary? Will we adapt or be left behind? Will we keep up with the global challenge or become uncompetitive?

Cover crops are one of the big changes and opportunities that we face right now. Cover crops bring the potential of our exciting farming venture to a new, higher level. They can do so much to help us — from erosion control and nutrient sequestering to soil improvement and so much in between.

To feed a hungry world, sustainable farming is an absolute must. But soils must be improved for that to happen. The great news is that soils can be improved a lot faster than ever thought possible, and with no yield drag.

When it comes right down to it, farming is no more than harvesting sunlight with productive soils, growing healthy crops and converting the energy from the sun into food for a hungry world. Healthy soils can help make that happen.

This is the incredible opportunity that we have today. Cover crops have the potential to revolutionize farming once again. We must seize the opportunity.

This almost two-centuries-old saying is still true today:

There are few farms in this or any country that are not capable of great improvement.

– Lucius D. Daniel 1830

Sincerely,

Founder/CEO

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Welcome to Byron Seeds

Byron Seeds 800-801-3596

Dwayne Colvin, Business Manager 618-895-3237

Marvin and Kenneth Yoder, Northwest Distribution Center 217-894-7053

Glen Weaver, Credit Manager 618-833-8240

Sharon Weaver, Retail Sales and Customer Support 800-801-3596

Chad Hale, Research and Acquisition 541-401-0730

Ernest Weaver, Southwest Territory Manager 800-801-3596

Dennis Brown, East Territory Manager 765-546-2494

Gerry Davis, Northeast Territory Manager 517-250-1144

Larry Hawkins, North Central Territory Manager 608-516-0101

Rick Tamm, Northwest Territory Manager 320-267-5021

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COVERCROPS

This Byron Seeds 2014 Cover Crop Resource Guide is all about “dirt” (or soil) and its preservation and health. And what influences the health and longevity of your dirt is roots — roots growing in your fields throughout the year. There is science that prescribes various roots according to the specific problems you are trying to solve — preventing erosion, fixing nitrogen, restoring organic matter, removing plow pans, reestablishing water-holding capacity or increasing fertility. Just having roots growing in your fields year round is a start.

Along with advice from your Byron Seeds consultant, this resource guide will help you improve your dirt so it will be a place that any earthworm will love and in which your next year’s production crop will thrive. Improved fertility, lower fertilizer cost, weed suppression, better soil structure, deeper-rooting cash crops, channeling through the cover crop root spaces and increased organic matter are all the beneficial results of an appropriate cover crop program. To set up a cover crop program for your farm, study this guide and talk to your Byron Seeds consultant. We know you’ll be glad you did.

Dirt by Larry Hawkins

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The most valuable resource on your farm is your soil. Cover crops slow erosion of that resource, improve its tilth, feed its microbiological life and improve water infiltration rates. They increase water-holding capacity by creating root channels and increasing or sequestering carbon in the soil in the form of organic matter. They enhance nutrient cycling and help break pest cycles. They can smother weeds and also can be used to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects.

Planting cover crops is a proactive and crucial step to take in managing your rotation for sound soil management and to accumulate benefits for long-term soil stewardship. Long term cover crop use can increase yields, save on nutrient costs over time, and lead to a more profitable system. However, utilizing cover crops takes a new mind set and management to fit them into your rotation.

There are different cover crops for varying soil types, climate and terrain. There are cover crops to fit into any rotation. Even the most demanding large-scale corn-soybean rotations or smaller high-maintenance diverse vegetable production systems can utilize cover crops. Many cover crops can also be utilized as forages and thereby extend grazing systems or can be utilized as green chop, hay or silage.

The genetic resources of cover crops have vast and often untapped potential. Adaptability and versatility of cover

crops is an important aspect to supplement your rotation, improving the soil for profitable long-term production. Growing cover crops helps to set the stage by building up nutrients and improving soil structure and permeability. Cover crops have the potential to enhance tillage, no-till and minimum-tillage systems.

The key to understanding cover crops is not only understanding what is seen above ground, but also understanding what is unseen below the soil surface. A robust and extensive root system is a major benefit of growing cover crops. The plant’s root-zone environment is the most active microbial site in the soil. Keeping the soil covered and active, with a living root zone more months out of the year, leads to long-term soil improvements, productivity and profitability. Cover crops add the crucial element of biodiversity.

Byron Seeds has cover crops to fit into your cropping system: legumes to fix nitrogen, small grains and brassicas to recycle nutrients, improve soil tilth, build soil organic matter and help break pest cycles. We have diverse cover crop mixes to fit into various growing zones. Check our cover cropping brochures and ask our reps to get the details of how to best fit cover crops into your particular cropping system and growing zone.

Benefits, Selection and Establishment of Cover Crops by Dennis BrownLEGUMES

COVERCROPS

Cover Crop Selection Guide by Dennis Brown

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LEGUMESCOVERCROPS

Cover crops can be a key soil improvement resource for conventional and organic growers alike. There is a cover crop to fit almost every type of cropping system.

The USDA’s National Organic Program Standards provide that “the producer is required to implement a crop rotation, including but not limited to sod, cover crops, green manure crops, and catch crops.”

There are two general types of cover crops – non-leguminous and leguminous. The leguminous cover crops fix and add nitrogen to the soil. Non-leguminous cover crops are often preferred on erosive soils. Each plant type has advantages over others and differs in its area of adaptability.

In choosing a cover crop for soil improvement, it is important to identify the purpose or the primary function of the cover crop based on the needs of your system. Use the list below to identify the primary function(s) of the cover crop.

a) Provide nitrogen – Growing legume cover crops is one of the most important tools to increase soil fertility. The main benefit of using a legume as a green manure is that the legumes fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it into a form that is available to other plants. Pick legumes that are adapted to your area. Legumes (peas, vetches, clovers, beans) grow in a symbiotic relationship with soil-dwelling bacteria (rhizobia). The bacteria take gaseous nitrogen from the soil air and convert or “fix” this nitrogen into a form that the plant can use, and in exchange the plant provides carbohydrates to the bacteria. Legumes vary in the percentage of nitrogen they contain on a dry matter basis. Legumes contain nitrogen in both their top growth and in their roots. A high percentage of the biologically fixed nitrogen is in the top growth, so it is important to manage legumes to let them grow long enough to produce their full high potential amount of biomass (herbage). The residues of these crops can contribute substantial nitrogen to following crops.

b) Increase soil organic matter – By improving the soil biological activity, cover crops can conserve or increase soil organic matter if they are managed to grow long enough to produce a high amount of biomass. A major benefit from green manures is the addition of carbon compounds in the form of organic matter to the soil. Over time soil organic matter is decreased through tillage and biological activity. Adding crop residues back to the soil helps maintain soil organic matter. Complex soil structure is built by the addition of organic matter. In no-till systems where we limit incorporation of plant residues, cover crops are important crops to build soil organic matter; their roots will physically penetrate the soil and release carbon compound root exudates in the soil at varying depths as the roots grow deeper. When these cover crops are terminated, their dying root biomass

becomes incorporated organic matter at various depths.

c) Improve nutrient availability in the soil – Nutrient availability is improved because the cover crop plant roots release 80% of the sugars that the plant produces into the soil to feed the soil microorganisms that build soil and in turn mineralize, recycle and release nutrients to the next crop. When incorporated into the soil, cover crop biomass is decomposed by soil bacteria and fungi. Through this process of biological decomposition, the soil nutrients are recycled. Look for high biomass-producing cover crops. As a summer cover crop, consider sorghum-Sudan grass hybrids. As winter annuals, cereal rye and triticale work well. Annual ryegrass planted in the fall works well. The legumes that produce much biomass include hairy vetch, alfalfa, medium red clover, ladino white clover, field peas and crimson clover. Mixes of legumes and cereal crops can be used as well. In addition, increased plant residues associated with cover crops in a system improve the soil environment for certain beneficial organisms. Organisms such as earthworms, insects and microorganisms can improve soil quality and increase nutrient availability by quickly decomposing organic matter and plant residues.

d) Scavenge nutrients – Soluble plant-available nutrients, especially nitrogen, are left in the soil after the cash crop has been harvested. Over the winter, bare soil is prone to losses of nutrients both into the air by volatilization and to water by leaching or by erosion. Growing a cover crop will reduce those loses by taking up the nutrients into their own tissue. The nutrients in cover crops are not always directly available to plants. The soil microbes decompose the cover crop residues, taking up some of the nutrients and releasing the rest to the soil environment.When the plants and the soil microbes decompose, the nutrients contained in them become available for the next growing crop in the rotation like a slow-release fertilizer. Legumes and grasses have symbiotic relationships with fungi that produce mycorrhizal hyphae (fungus roots) which ramify through the soil and can help the plant scavenge nutrients like phosphorous. These fungi must be in association with a living root to survive. By having legumes and/or grass cover crops growing after the cash crop, these microbial-plant root relationships can be maintained throughout the rotation to help foster nutrient scavenging and cycling.

e) Prevent soil erosion and runoff – Protect soil from raindrop impact and wind carrying soil particles off. Most of the same species that are used as good nutrient scavengers also provide good soil cover. The cover protects the soil from direct raindrop impact and direct wind gusts, reducing the potential of erosion.

f) Improve soil structure – Increasing the soil organic matter with cover crops improves the soil structure.

6Ernest Weaver harvesting AS7401 (Byron Territory Manager Southwest)

Cover Crop Selection Guide – cont.COVERCROPS

As plant residues degrade, the soil microbes feeding on them release compounds into the soil; these compounds have glue-like properties that cement soil particles together to form stable soil aggregates. This aggregation results in improved soil structure and tilth. Grasses have mycorrhizae associations as do legumes. However, grasses are characterized by dense masses of fibrous roots that improve the soil structure by exuding polysaccharides (sugars). The polysaccharides feed soil microorganisms which in turn exude the compounds that aggregate soil particles. Aggregates contribute to greater soil permeability, soil porosity, aeration, water infiltration and holding capacity, cation exchange capacity and ease of crop emergence and root growth. The added organic matter also alleviates compaction by reducing the bulk density of the soil.

g) Improve drainage, alleviate compaction – Deep- rooted species can help break through compacted layers in the soil such as a hard pan or plow pan. This can improve drainage. The penetrating roots of the cover crops make channels through which soil water can move after the root system decomposes. Species to consider are annual ryegrass and the sweet clovers. Winter cover crops with large taproots such as the brassicas can help to alleviate some of the effects of soil compaction by penetrating the compacted layer when the soil is wet and relatively soft during the winter. The brassicas’ (mustards) roots are known to penetrate about one foot deeper than cereals and nearly two feet deeper than grain legumes. The large taproot creates more space for beneficial soil organisms such as earthworms, which in particular help improve water infiltration and soil structure.

h) Provide mulch to conserve soil moisture – Choose cover crops with a combination of high above-ground biomass and moderate or high carbon-to-nitrogen ratios. The microbes that decompose crop residues use carbon as an energy source and nitrogen to build tissue. If residues have a C:N ratio higher than 25:1, the microbes will need to gather N from the surrounding environment to do their work. Generally speaking, the higher the C:N ratio of the cover crop residue, the more slowly decomposition will occur and the longer the residue will serve as both a moisture-conserving and weed-suppressing mat. The small grain cover crops are well suited for this; most legume residues with higher nitrogen content will decompose more rapidly and be less effective as mulch. Mature rye and triticale can be effectively used as weed-suppressing mulches when rolled down, which also conserves soil moisture evaporation by keeping the soil covered.

i) No-till utilizing cover crops – Recent progress has been made in organic no-till and killed mulch no-till systems using a crimper/roller that is mounted to the front

of a tractor to roll down and mechanically kill fall-planted small grains or hairy vetch cover crops in the spring. With the front-mounted roller, this is a time and energy saver being a one-pass system of roll and plant. A no-till planter or no-till transplanter can be used to cut through the mat of rolled-down cover crop and then seed or transplant into it. Winter annual cover crops species are used to cover the soil and recycle nutrients from fall through early spring and then rolled into a weed-suppressing killed cover crop mat to no-till plant into. The rolled-down cover crop influences weed emergence by the formation of the physical barrier of the cover crop residue. In addition light transmittance to the soil surface declines with increasing residue biomass. Many weeds require light to activate a germination process prior to emergence. The residue biomass reduces the amount of light that reaches the soil surface, inhibiting weed germination. Early weed suppression provided by the cover crop residue will permit crops to become established before weeds.

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Cover crops are a farm management practice that’s getting more and more notice from farmers, academics, government and the farm media because of the many benefits. Word is spreading that farmers who turn to cover crops, seek out guidance and give the practice some time see improved returns on investment (ROI) and reduced environmental impacts.

Seeking out guidance is critical to realizing success with cover crops. Most farmers who try cover crops for the first time encounter challenges – especially after years of following the same corn/bean rotations. So farmers, industry and agencies like the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) are coming together to share information, flatten the learning curve and help ensure success in terms of both ROI and the long-term environmental impact.

The cover crop growth trend would have never happen without teamwork – among industry groups including crop associations, universities, government agencies, environmental groups, seed companies like Byron Seeds and others. At hundreds of meetings and via associated communications campaigns, livestock producers and crop farmers have traded information about topics from seed selection to fertility (including manure benefits), improved pest control and soil health, soil moisture preservation, anchoring nutrients, reducing soil compaction and improving ROI. Consistent with the company’s educational approach, Byron Seeds also has hosted, or our representatives have spoken at, many cover crop meetings. These types of gatherings continue to ensure that cover crops novices and old pros alike have easy access to information that will smooth out the bumps and increase success.

Outside these meetings, groups including the Indiana Conservation Partnership, Indiana Association of Soil and

Water Conservation Districts and Indiana Department of Agriculture, as well as local Extension personnel, have worked in partnership with farmers and been instrumental in the progress seen. Similarly, Byron Seeds’ personnel regularly consult one-on-one with farmers on cover crop issues.

At both cover crop meetings and in the field, suggestions such as the following are shared with interested farmers:

• Goal-setting and planning are vital. First, decide what you want a cover crop to do. Then, identify the system that will make it happen.

• In standing corn or if you’re going to soybeans, cereal rye is a good option for a nitrogen scavenger, along with subsoil improvement and other benefits.

• How you’ll apply the seed after harvest will drive seed choice and timing decisions.

• For enhanced precision and resulting reliability, plant with a drill rather than broadcast seeding.

• If you’re a cover crop newcomer, start with oats and radishes. They’ll likely winter kill, so you’ll avoid any work in the spring.

Cover crop benefits far outweigh cost. The teamwork and the trends are a validation of the benefits experienced by farmers who have incorporated cover crop strategies into their planting plans. The single greatest barrier to cover crop adoption is a lack of knowledge. But with a vast array of informed, committed individuals ready to help you boost your bottom line and reduce the environmental impact of your farming activities, success is within your reach. What are you waiting for?

Teamwork Builds Cover Crop and Bottom Line SuccessCOVERCROPS

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Cover Crops a Path to ProfitLEGUMESCOVERCROPS

Farming is a lifestyle, but to maintain that lifestyle requires making money. Some of the best news about cover crops is that in addition to increasing yields, they can also reduce input costs – for a positive return on a farmer’s investment.

A Conservation Technology Information Center study of more than 500 corn and soybean farmers using comparable systems found that yields increased an average of 5 percent in 2013 with the use of cover crops. During the 2012 drought, farmers using cover crops saw a 10 percent average yield hike.

Some of the best news about cover crops is that in addition to increasing yields, they can

also reduce input costs – for a positive return on a farmer’s investment.

And cover crop use isn’t limited to a small percentage of farmers. A recent National Cover Crop Survey conducted by the Conservation Technology Information Center with funding help from USDA-SARE found that about 70 percent of the farmers studied use winter rye, wheat or triticale to achieve their business goals. A little more than 50 percent use legumes. And two-thirds sought to increase soil organic matter with cover crops.

When cover crops are combined with reduced tillage, the bottom line benefit really adds up. We’ve heard of farmers who are seeing a $100 per acre cost advantage from reduced tillage, with cover crops helping to cut erosion even further, increasing soil health, keeping nutrients in place and breaking up compacted soil.

Cover crops provide a strong reminder that reducing inputs and improving returns are directly related. Cover crops don’t

just make soil healthier. Combined with new technologies such as precision nutrient placement, cover crops also put just the right amount of seed, fertilizer or pest control exactly where it’s needed. And that also means putting just the right amount of money exactly where it’s needed.

Growing Zones

Below the name of each variety listed in this resource guide is a zone recommendation. The variety does best in the recommended zone(s). The map on this page shows the location of each zone.

There may be a management recommendation as well. The listed variety will do well in the management zone(s) if good farming management practices are implemented.

Zones: These zones are the recommended location(s) for the variety listed.

Management: An acceptable variety in this zone with good farm management, soils, and fertility.

Maturity Zones pictured: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee.

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DescriptionWhile hairy vetch is a top producer of nitrogen and ground cover, fall planted vetch is slow to establish and will not produce much top cover unless planted early, for example, after wheat or oats. For this reason, vetch is usually mixed with faster establishing cover crops such as radish and rye grass. Rapid spring growth produces a heavy mulch layer and is one of the best for suppressing weeds and preventing erosion. If allowed to reach 50% bloom, vetch can produce up to 250 lbs of N, about half of which is available to the following crop. About 10% of vetch seed is “hard seeded” and will not germinate the first year, posing potential weed problems.

ManagementBest ahead of corn. Inoculate with a vetch inoculant for best N production. Once vetch reaches 50% bloom, it can be killed by mowing or rolling with a stalk chopper. Spraying and incorporation also work well. Vetch will provide a heavy

ground cover but, as a succulent, it decomposes rapidly and will lose its effectiveness as cover in 4 to 6 weeks. Winter kill is possible if temperatures are below 5°F with no snow cover.

EstablishmentDrill 15-20 lbs/A or broadcast at 25-30 lbs/A and cover with a harrow. In mixes 10-15 lbs/A. Seed 30-45 days before a killing frost as vetch is slow to establish. Plant ½ to 1 inch deep. Roots continue to grow through the winter. Vetch has a high P and K requirement but needs very little N for establishment. Vetch doesn’t do well as a spring planted crop.

Loosen Soil

Forage Value

Ground Cover

Soil Builder

N Scavenger

N Production

Benefits

COMMON HAIRY VETCH• Heavy N producer at 50% bloom• Can lower N expenses by a third to half• Works well ahead of corn or sorghums and sudangrass• Rapid spring growth gives heavy mulch cover• Excellent spring weed suppression and erosion control• Can no-till into mulch layer• Holds moisture for following crop• Works well as a green manure

Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

PURPLE BOUNTY• More winter hardy than conventional vetch• 10 days earlier than conventional vetch• Excellent N producer if allowed to bloom• Can produce 5500-7300 lbs biomass

Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

Hairy Vetch LEGUMESCOVERCROPS

0 2 4 6 8 10

1 = Poor 10 = Best

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Crimson Clover

DescriptionCrimson clover is a fast-growing annual that provides early spring nitrogen, up to 200 lbs at 50% bloom. Its rapid growth makes it an excellent weed suppressor and an emergency forage supply that doesn’t cause bloat. In the south, crimson clover is fall planted with other cover crops for weed suppression, erosion control and quality spring forage. It can be spring seeded in the northern areas for weed control and nitrogen production. If planted in the spring or summer, it will bloom the same year and will not over-winter.

ManagementCrimson clover thrives in cool, moist conditions. It works well on any soil with the exception of heavy, wet clays. Inoculate for best N production. It is usually mixed with annual ryegrass, vetch, radishes, and small grains like oats. Nitrogen production requires an adequate supply of P and K. Crimson clover can be killed by spraying or incorporation. At bloom stage, it can also be killed by mowing or rolling with a stalk chopper.

EstablishmentFor fall planting, drill at 15-18 lbs/A, 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep, or broadcast at 22-30 lbs/A. If broadcast, roll into a firm seedbed. Use 10-15 lbs/A in mixes. For spring planting, seed as soon as all danger of frost is past. Don’t plant too early in the fall if you want it to over-winter. If crimson clover goes to seed in the fall, it will not regrow in the spring.

DIXIE CRIMSON CLOVER• Fast establishing in the fall

• Moderately winter-hardy

• Early spring growth and blooming allows for early spring planting of cash crop

• Mixes well with small grains, ryegrass and other grasses and legumes

Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

LEGUMESCOVERCROPS

Loosen Soil

Forage Value

Ground Cover

Soil Builder

N Scavenger

N Production

Benefits

0 2 4 6 8 10

1 = Poor 10 = Best

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Other Clovers

DescriptionClovers are an excellent source of nitrogen and can double as a quality forage. They are good as a soil builder, weed suppressor and for erosion control. Clovers can be frost seeded and work well mixed with other cover crops such as small grains, grasses, radishes, and other legumes.

Clovers can be spring planted by frost seeding or planting with small grains. Use the grass seeding box on the drill.

Clovers can be overseeded into standing corn at last cultivation. Allow 6 to 7 weeks after the application of pre-emergent herbicides like Atrazine. Check the herbicide labels.

Clovers can be broadcast or reel-seeded into beans at leaf yellowing prior to leaf drop.

Red clover will grow well in cooler, moist conditions and will slow down over the summer months. Yellow blossom sweet clover does well in the summer and has the greatest warm weather biomass production of any legume, exceeding even alfalfa.

Berseem (also known as Egyptian clover) is very fast to establish and produces a huge amount of dry matter. It works well doubling as a cover crop and as a forage, producing 18-28% protein.

MAMMOTH RED CLOVER• Can be fall-seeded or spring frost-seeded,

10-12 lbs/A• When mixed with grains, it can be left for cover or

forage after grain harvest• Works great as a plow down for green manure• Adapted to a wide range of soil types and conditions• Up to 150 lbs N and 8000 lbs/A dry matter Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

BERSEEM CLOVER• Fast-growing summer annual, great smother crop• Heavy nitrogen producer, 150-200 lbs N• Broadcast and roll or drill ¼” deep, 8-12 lbs/A• Works well as a small grain companion• Kills when temperatures are below 20° F Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

MEDIUM RED CLOVER• Good for short-term rotations • Good persistence• Good quality Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

YELLOW BLOSSOM SWEET CLOVER• Summer biannual with very deep root system• Great subterranean nutrient scavenger• 5000 lbs/A dry matter first year, roots to 5 feet deep• Winter hardy and very drought tolerant• Seed 8-15 lbs/A Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

LEGUMESCOVERCROPS

DescriptionField peas are excellent nitrogen fixers and establish quickly, providing good ground cover. Peas are usually mixed with oats, barley, or triticale and are an excellent source of high- protein forage. Field peas are divided into two types. The Austrian winter pea can be planted in the fall and usually overwinters south of Interstate 70. The other peas, like the Arvika spring pea, do best planted as early as you can get into the field in the spring.

ManagementPeas like cool weather and languish in heat and drought. Peas like a wide variety of well-drained soils. They are almost always planted with small grains such as oats and are usually used as a dual purpose cover and forage crop. Inoculate to ensure good nitrogen production.

EstablishmentPlant peas 1 inch deep at a rate of 30-100 lbs/A depending on the mix. If nitrogen and protein are the goal, plant more peas than small grains. Plant fall peas by mid-August to mid-September; peas need to be 4-6 inches tall before going dormant for the winter. Plant spring peas as soon as you are able to work the fields. Expect peas to grow rapidly in the spring and to be ready for harvest or incorporation in about 60 days.

Field Peas

4010 PEAS• Rapid spring growth• Plant as early as you can get in the field• Produces over 100 lbs nitrogen• Excellent forage• Not suited for fall planting

Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

WINDHAM WINTER PEAS• Improved variety• The only winter pea with enough winter hardiness for

central to upper Midwest• Great for mixing with small grains• Can produce 4000-6000 lbs biomass

Zones: 4,5,6

LEGUMESCOVERCROPS

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Loosen Soil

Forage Value

Ground Cover

Soil Builder

N Scavenger

N Production

Benefits

0 2 4 6 8 10

1 = Poor 10 = Best

Once established, teff gives great yields of excellent forage that regrows rapidly to give several cuts in the summer.

DescriptionRadishes establish very quickly, providing good ground cover, smothering weeds and preventing erosion. The taproot drives deep into the soil, pulling up nutrients otherwise unavailable to the shallower-rooted crops. These taproots provide a way for air, water and crop roots to penetrate deeply into the soil. Fall planted radishes are great for sequestering residual nutrients from the previous crop. Radishes work as a biofumigant, especially if incorporated in the vegetative stage.

ManagementRadishes can be planted into existing crops at the beginning of leaf wilt, either by aerial application or by a high boy rigged with a broadcast system. They work well in mixes or can be seeded alone. In mixes, 2 or 3 lbs is all that’s needed. Radishes winter kill when temperatures reach 23°F.

EstablishmentSeed 8-10 lbs/A straight or 2-4 lbs/A in mixes. Drill in rows 6-8 inches apart, ¼ to ½ inch deep. Radishes can be broadcast and rolled with a cultipacker or aerial seeded into drying corn. Use higher rates for broadcasting and aerial seeding. Radishes can be no-tilled into grass if the grass has been grazed or mowed very close.

Daikon Radish

NITRO RADISH• Fast establishing in the fall• Biofumigant characteristics• Consistent root growth• Bred to grow straight down to penetrate hardpan• Works well with KB Royal Ryegrass

Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

LEGUMESCOVERCROPS

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Loosen Soil

Forage Value

Ground Cover

Soil Builder

N Scavenger

N Production

Benefits

0 2 4 6 8 10

1 = Poor 10 = Best

DescriptionMustard establishes very rapidly, helping to suppress weeds and act as a ground cover. The deep taproot grows to a depth of 3 feet, helping break up soil and scavenge nutrients. Mustard works great as a biofumigant and suppresses verticillium in potato.

ManagementMustard is a cover crop that can be planted in early spring or early fall in the South if you want it to over winter. Mustard kills at about 25°F. Mixes well with triticale, rye, and hairy vetch. It works extremely well as a nematode suppressor and as a natural biofumigant. Use in rotation with wheat, bean, and potato.

EstablishmentDrill ½ inch deep at 8-10 lbs/A or 3-5 lbs in mixes. Can be broadcast at the higher rate and rolled. Incorporate or kill after flowering for best biofumigant effect.

Mustard

Turnips

BRACO WHITE MUSTARD• Suppresses nematodes and weed seed germination• Usually winter kills except in the South• Can be frost seeded• Great nitrogen scavenger, up to 200 lbs/A if available

Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

LEGUMESCOVERCROPS

DescriptionWhile not always thought of as a cover crop, turnips often double as a forage and cover crop, usually being mixed with small grains like oats and triticale. Some varieties, like Winfred, are very flexible, working well both as a summer annual during the hot, droughty summer months and as a fall planted cover crop that can withstand frosty winter conditions. Spring planted Winfred shows very good regrowth after being cut or

grazed. In extreme drought, Winfred will usually go dormant like a forage sorghum, waiting for moisture. Planted in the early fall, turnips provide a massive amount of dry matter that helps suppress weeds, control erosion, and can be stockpiled for winter forage.

Brassicas have a deep root system that allows them to stay green longer than most summer cover crops. These taproots pull up and recycle nutrients that are too deep for crop roots, loosening the soil and providing channels for air, water, and crop roots.

EstablishmentPlant 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. Rate is 4-6 lbs/A straight or 2-4 lbs/A in mixes.

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WINFRED• Upright growth, not a bulb type• Plant in spring or early fall• Slower growth, 8-12 weeks • Winter hardy to -5˚ F • Stays green after frost, maintaining leaf integrity• Most drought tolerant• Works as a biofumigantZones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

HUNTER HYBRID• Not as upright, more lateral growth• Plant in early fall• Fastest maturing, 6-8 weeks • Winter hardy to 18˚ F • Provides good ground cover• Works as a biofumigant• Good regrowthZones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

DescriptionAnnual ryegrass is one of the best choices for a fall planted cover crop because of its versatility, ease of establishment, amazing root system, and incredible nutrient scavenging abilities. It is an excellent soil builder, great at erosion control and weed suppression. The massive root system can add 5000-9000 lbs of organic material per acre, growing down to 54 inches, providing channels for air, water, and following crop root systems. Farmers have reported corn root zones down to nearly 5 feet following ryegrass.

ManagementAnnual ryegrass has extremely fast emergence and establishes quickly on a variety of soil types. It works well alone or in mixes. In severe winter conditions, annual ryegrass can winter kill, but roots have usually grown down 24-32 inches, sequestering leftover nutrients and providing a good start for the following crop. Incorporation will work to kill ryegrass if it is completely covered. If using glyphosate, apply a full rate

when the days are warm, averaging over 50°F and the grass is growing vigorously.

EstablishmentDrill at 15-25 lbs/A, 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep or fly on into standing corn at the higher rate. You can also broadcast onto bare soil and roll with a cultipacker. Seed 40 days before killing frost date to help protect from winter kill. Annual ryegrass rates in mixes can be cut to 8-15 lbs.

Annual Ryegrass

MO-1• Cold tolerance• Excellent palatability• Very vigorous• Superior yields• Rapid establishment

Zones: 3,4,5,6,7

KB ROYAL ANNUAL RYEGRASS• More fall growth than any other ryegrass• Can be aerial seeded• Deep roots break up hard pan• Establishes quickly to prevent erosion• Great weed suppressor• Great nutrient scavenger • 4000-8000 lbs dry matter per acre

Zones: 2,3,4,5,6

KB SUPREME• The newest annual ryegrass• Exceptional root growth• Especially bred for cover crops• More consistent winter hardiness• Available in blue tag certified

Zones: 2,3,4,5,6

NEW!

LEGUMESCOVERCROPS

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Loosen Soil

Forage Value

Ground Cover

Soil Builder

N Scavenger

N Production

Benefits

0 2 4 6 8 10

1 = Poor 10 = Best

Cereal Rye

DescriptionThe hardiest of fall planted cover crops, cereal rye is the “last chance” crop for late fall plantings. If planted late, it may not provide much winter cover, but if it has germinated, it will show rapid spring growth, suppressing weeds and providing forage or grain for harvest. If planted early enough, it makes a great winter grazing. Rye is inexpensive and easy to establish. It has a fast-growing fibrous root system that can take up and hold residual nutrients. It’s an excellent source of residual ground cover for no-till systems. Note: It can tie up nitrogen as it decomposes so N is not immediately available, so compensate.

ManagementCan establish in very cool weather in a variety of soil types. It can be killed by incorporating, spraying, or, after boot stage, by mowing or rolling with a stalk chopper. Rye can deplete soil moisture in a dry spring. In a wet spring, it can overwhelm the next crop with residual. Rye has an allelopathy effect which works on suppressing weeds, but may also stunt a following corn crop.

EstablishmentDrill ½ to ¾ inch deep at 60-200 lbs/A or broadcast or aerial seed into standing corn at the higher rate from early September to November. Use 50-60 lbs/A in mixes.

Growing Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

LEGUMESCOVERCROPS

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Loosen Soil

Forage Value

Ground Cover

Soil Builder

N Scavenger

N Production

Benefits

0 2 4 6 8 10

1 = Poor 10 = Best

DescriptionOats are an inexpensive cover crop and provide a quick ground cover when fall seeded, providing weed suppression and erosion control. They typically winter kill and provide a beautiful killed mulch for spring seeded crops. Oats are good nutrient scavengers and work well with radishes and turnips to provide fall forage.

ManagementBest to plant after wheat or a spring cover crop. Allow 6 to 8 weeks before killing frost if the oats are intended as a forage. Disking lightly in the spring will break up the brittle residue exposing enough soil for warmer soils. No-tilling into oats in the spring works fine. If planted in the spring, oats can be killed by spraying. Mowing and rolling work well at soft dough stage. Like rye, oats have an allelopathic effect and can cause slow growth in the following crop.

EstablishmentSeed 100 lbs/A with a drill or fly into standing corn.

JERRY OATS• Vigorous growth when fall planted• Winter kills• Good fibrous root system• Inexpensive alternative

Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

EVERLEAF OATS • Late maturing• In mild winters, Everleaf over winters better

than Jerry.• Best oat forage available• Must be planted early enough to reach potential• Works as a cover crop and quality forage• Good weed suppression

Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

DescriptionTriticale is a cross between winter wheat and cereal rye. Its winter hardiness allows it to grow later in the fall than other cover crops. Its fibrous roots continue to grow through the winter down to 60 inches or more building soil organic matter. Triticale’s rapid growth suppresses winter weeds better than rye. It produces a lot of biomass that is good as a mulch mat, forage or straw. Triticale has an allelopathic effect on weeds and following corn crops.

Management

Triticale can be winter grazed, plowed under in spring as a green manure, cut and made into baleage, rolled after boot stage to provide a mulch, or allowed to go to grain and combined.

EstablishmentDrill or no-till 80-150 lbs/A at a depth of ½ to 1 inch deep. Can be mixed with hairy vetch, crimson clover and annual rye grass. Use about 40 lbs/A of nitrogen in the fall to help establish and 70 lbs again in the spring if it’s going to be used as a forage.

TRITICALE PLUS• A mixture of triticale and annual ryegrass• Plant at 80-100 lbs/A• Helps dry out wet spots in spring• Good carbon sequestration• Excellent root development makes it a huge

soil builder

Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

Oats

Triticale

LEGUMESCOVERCROPS

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Loosen Soil

Forage Value

Ground Cover

Soil Builder

N Scavenger

N Production

Benefits

0 2 4 6 8 10

1 = Poor 10 = Best

Loosen Soil

Forage Value

Ground Cover

Soil Builder

N Scavenger

N Production

Benefits

0 2 4 6 8 10

1 = Poor 10 = Best

LEGUMESCOVERCROPS

DescriptionSorghum is widely adapted and works well as a ground cover, weed suppressor and soil builder. Sorghum sudan is an excellent nutrient scavenger – catch crop, highest producer of biomass of the summer cover crops.

ManagementMowing sorghum sudan when it reaches 3 to 4 feet tall will increase the root mass five to eight times compared to unmowed sorghum sudans. It winter kills easily and, because it’s a succulent, breaks down well through the winter.

EstablishmentSeed 25-60 lbs/A at a depth of 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches. Plant as a summer cover crop when the soil temperatures are at least 60°F. Sowing at higher rates, 70 lbs or more, makes an excellent smother crop for fields with weed problems.

Sorghum Sudan

DescriptionBuckwheat is a short lived summer annual reaching maturity in just 70-90 days. Buckwheat is one of the fastest and easiest establishing cover crops available. It can produce 2-3 tons of dry matter in just 6-8 weeks making it an excellent crop for summer weed suppression. It is easy to kill and is known for its ability to extract phosphorus from the soil. It is also known for its sweet blossoms that attract beneficial insects. It is very succulent and does not add much to the soil by way of biomass.

ManagementBuckwheat likes light to medium, well drained soils, sandy loams, loams, and silty loams. It grows best in cool, moist conditions. Buckwheat is not drought tolerant. It works very well as a nurse crop. Make sure to cut back on the seeding rates. It is very susceptible to frost and kills easily by rolling.

EstablishmentDrill 50-60 lbs/A ½ to ¾ inch deep when all danger of frost is past. For weed suppression or broadcasting into a firm seed bed, use up to 90 lbs/A. For a nurse crop, use one-third the usual rate.

Growing Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

Buckwheat

18

DescriptionRoot N Fixer is a mixture of KB Royal Annual Ryegrass and Crimson Clover. The name for this mix comes from the root mass of the Annual Ryegrass and the nitrogen fixation of the Crimson Clover. Root N Fixer is a quick growing winter annual mix that does well in cool, moist conditions. Top growth accumulates rapidly in early spring, but root growth occurs in late fall and winter so don’t be deceived by the lack of top growth! 6” tall ryegrass can have roots several feet deep. This mix can optimize nutrient recycling, ground cover, carbon sequestration and nitrogen fixation all at the same time.

ManagementRoot N Fixer has to be sprayed or moldboard plowed in spring before planting the cash crop. 30-40 units of N at planting will give this mix a good start in the fall. We have seen winterkill in northern zones, but many of the benefits are realized even in a winterkilled stand because much of the root mass is already accumulated by the time winterkill can occur.

EstablishmentSeed 15-25 lbs/acre. Drill ½” deep. Excellent results have been obtained by flying on standing corn or soybeans as those crops mature and some sunlight can penetrate the canopy.

Root N Fixer

ROOT N FIXER• Tremendous root growth• Crimson can fix over 100 lbs of N per acre• Early spring growth• Very easy to drill or fly on• A good choice for the serious cover crop farmer• Scavenges any nitrogen left by the previous crop• Potential to increase the cash crop yield• Opens up soil• Increases effective rooting depth and fertility• Reduces compaction

Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

DescriptionSpeedy Cover is a mixture of oats and Nitro Radish. True to its name, Speedy Cover is extremely quick to establish and also quick and easy to plant and manage. Since this mix will typically winterkill, no spring spraying or tillage is normally needed. All you have to do is plant into the beautiful killed mulch that this mix leaves behind.

ManagementPlant into existing crops and the beginning of leaf wilt. The harvest of soybeans should not be impacted unless harvest is delayed and too much growth of the cover crop has occurred by then. Radishes and oats will winterkill when temperatures dip into the low 20’s. Avoid planting in waterlogged areas.

EstablishmentSeed at 8-10 lbs per acre. For best results drill ¼ to ½ inch deep or broadcast into a tilled seed bed and culitpack. Aerial applications have been very successful when corn has dried as high as the ear or soybean leaves start to drop. It can be no-tilled into a grass/alfalfa sod that has been killed or mowed very close. Herbicides can also be used to suppress the sod.

Speedy Cover

SPEEDY COVER• The deep taproot of Nitro Radish makes a great

nutrient scavenger• The fibrous roots of oats help hold and build the soil• Leaves deep root channels for corn to follow• Reduces compaction• Greatly improves soil health and fertility• Easy to manage due to predictable winterkill• Good choice for farmers new to cover crops• One of the best options when quick cover is needed• Can’t be planted late in the season

Zones: 3,4,5,6,7

LEGUMES

COVERCROPMIXES

19

DescriptionNitrogreen N is very similar to Nitrogreen S except it uses Medium Red Clover and Yellow Blossom Sweet Clover instead of Crimson Clover. It produces up to 100-150 units of N for the next crop. It also includes nitro radishes. Seed August 15th through September 10th. Winter hardy if seeded early enough to get clover established.

ManagementNitrogreen North has to be sprayed or moldboard plowed in the spring before planting the cash crop. Direct seeding is best but also a relatively early seeding date is needed in northern zones to make sure the legumes are established enough to be winter hardy. Seeding into standing corn that has dried up to the ear can be effective.

EstablishmentSeed 15-25 lbs/acre. Drill ½” deep.

Nitrogreen North

NITROGREEN NORTH• The taproot of the radish breaks up hardpan and

recycles deeply buried nutrients• Yellow Blossom Sweet Clover is one of the deepest

rooting annual legumes• Red Clover is used in this mix because it is more

winter hardy than crimson which helps ensure good performance in the northern zones

• Hairy Vetch is the anchor legume of the mix due to its impressive N fixing capability and spring weed suppressing ability

Zones: 1,2,3

DescriptionNitrogreen S is a mixture of species to maximize nitrogen production and green manure crop plant from August 15th to October 10th, depending on how far south you are. If left until flowering the following year, it can produce up to 100-150 units of N for the next crop. Nitro radishes help loosen and aerate the soil. Use south of I-70.

ManagementNitrogreen South has to be sprayed or moldboard plowed in the spring before planting the cash crop. Direct seeding is best but also a relatively early seeding date is needed for establishment of the legumes, especially the Hairy Vetch. This mix does well when aerial seeded into standing crops in late August. When aerial seeded, you can expect more Crimson Clover to establish than hairy vetch, unless soil moisture is very consistent near the soil surface for a couple of weeks after seeding.

EstablishmentSeed 15-25 lbs/acre. Drill ½” deep.

Nitrogreen South

NITROGREEN SOUTH• The taproot of the radish penetrates hardpan and

rescues nutrients from several feet down in the soil profile

• Crimson Clover fixes a lot of nitrogen early in the spring to allow late planting

• Hairy Vetch continues to fix nitrogen until it blooms and forms a dense mat to smother weeds

• A good choice to plant before corn or other heavy nitrogen using crops.

Zones: 3,4,5,6

20

LEGUMES

COVERCROPMIXES

DescriptionSoil Builder is a mixture of KB Royal Annual Ryegrass, Crimson Clover, Hairy Vetch and Nitro Radish. This versatile mix will scavenge nutrients, fix nitrogen and establish quickly to combat weeds. No matter why you plant a cover crop, Soil Builder deserves consideration.

ManagementSoil Builder has to be sprayed or moldboard plowed in the spring before planting the cash crop. This versatile mix can be terminated early and still contribute a good amount of nitrogen due to the Crimson Clover. However, if the cropping schedule permits, letting this mix grow until the purple blooms of the Hairy Vetch can be seen will result in significantly higher nitrogen fixation. If this mix is planted after mid-August, the radishes are not likely to perform to their potential, but other species in the mix would still give tremendous benefits if planted a bit late.

EstablishmentSeed 18-25 lbs/acre. Drill up to ½” deep. Satisfactory results can be obtained by flying the mix on if the seeding rate is increased.

Soil Builder

SOIL BUILDER• The fibrous roots of the ryegrass penetrate compacted

soil and efficiently recycle nutrients• Nitro Radish establishes quickly to shade out weeds

and the large root breaks up hardpans• Crimson Clover blooms relatively early and fixes

nitrogen early in the spring• Hairy Vetch has the potential to fix more N than any

other cover crop legume, but it needs to grow as long as possible into the spring for maximum fixation

• Soil Builder is very versatile and reasonably priced on a per acre basis.

Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6

21

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Forage Value

Ground Cover

Soil Builder

N Scavenger

N Production

Benefits

0 2 4 6 8 10

1 = Poor 10 = Best

LEGUMES

COVERCROPMIXES

S. INDIANA

Crop Production Services Wes PendeltonAttica, IN765-538-2825

Family Farm Supply Bill JohnsonBloomington, IN812-361-8064

Crop Production ServicesBob CrullBoston, IN765-935-5805

Bowling Green Feed & GrainBowling Green, IN812-986-3500

Crop Production ServiceMark McClainBrookville, IN765-647-4473

Crop Production ServiceClarks Hill, IN765-523-2797

Dan WeilerConnersville, IN317-408-9962

Crop Production ServicesTom BeavenDana, IN765-665-3090

Flat Rock SeedsBruce WeaverFlat Rock, IN812-374-7107

Arthur’s IncLloyd ArthurGreenfield, IN317-696-7705

Ring FarmsDavid RingHuntingburg, IN812-309-0755

Guernsey FarmsBruce GuernseyJamestown, IN 765-676-6880

Central Indiana Organics, LLCDennis CunninghamLebanon, IN765-482-3215

Darin Cox Merom, IN812-554-0631

Bob Fairclough Michigantown, IN765-249-2297

Milroy Seed SupplyMatthew WaglerMilroy, IN765-629-2364

Locust Grove Seed Supply Melvin KingNew Castle, IN765-478-5860

White River Ag Jerald Rhodes Newberry, IN812-381-5334

Raber Seed SupplyAbraham RaberOdon, IN812-636-2272

A & E HaltersAmos FreyE County Road 250 SPaoli, IN

MKT FarmsMike TimmermanRidgeville, IN 260-301-6423

Crop Production Services Roachdale, IN765-676-6159

Byron SeedsSamuel FisherRockville, IN765-569-3555

Crop Production Services - New SalemRushville, IN765-932-2088

Spencer County Coop RodneySaint Meinrad, IN812-357-5861

Crop Production ServicesStraughn, IN765-332-2277

Bryan HoumesVeedersburg, IN765-299-6567

Creekside SeedsDavid StoltzfusVersailles, IN812-689-6013

Crop Production Services Williamsburg, IN765-886-5610

Hoovers Country StoreGlenn HooverWilliamsport, IN765-893-4498

BrownView Seed Supply Dennis BrownWinchester, IN765-546-2494

OHIO

Crabtree FarmsZachary CrabtreeAlbany, OH740-591-1513

Ruff’s Seed Farms IncAmanda, OH740-969-2600

Mike LehmanApple Creek, OH330-466-2660

Deluxe WoodworksDavid Mast953 TR 1451Ashland, OH 44805

Gerber & SonsCraig PowellBaltic, OH800-468-4710

Beaver Valley SeedsDavid Swarey 6334 Beaver PikeBeaver, OH

Jake R. Schwartz2890 Township Road 33 N #33Bellefontaine, OH

Belmont MillsBelmont, OH 740-484-4633

Merit SeedJohn YoderBerlin, OH330-893-3196

Lone Oak FarmRichard Badertscher Bluffton, OH419-957-1360

Eco Valley SupplyRoy Yoder Butler, OH740-599-6453

Joe Hershberger7351 St Rt 555Chesterhill, OH 43728

Witmer FeedsBrian BeckColumbiana, OH 800-878-0888

Ebberts Field SeedsJohn Suber Covington, OH888-802-5715

Kent NeuenschwanderDalton, OH330-465-1175

Crop Production ServiceDelphos, OH419-695-1931

Thompson Seed Farm IncHarold Heidlebaugh Delphos, OH800-686-1774

Crop Production ServicesDan WebbDunkirk, OH419-759-3111

Crop Production ServicesGreg WhitesellEaton, OH937-456-7193

Crop Production ServicesMike KutterEaton, OH937-456-7149

YoHome FarmJacob L YoderFredericksburg, OH330-695-2261

Rocky Fork SeedAllen Miller11861 Karnes RdGreenfield, OH 45123

David ZimmermanGreenfield, OH937-981-4120

Nelson MartinGreenwich, OH419-752-2971

Valley View SeedsSteven CoblentzHuntsville, OH937-539-0392

Scioto Valley SeedJacob Miller 2355 Codding Rd La Rue, OH 43332

Chad JohnsonNey, OH419-439-3201

Pine Valley FeedsMelvin Troyer 1943 Horton Sisters Rd Oak Hill, OH 45656

Dovin Dairy Farms LLCJohn Dovin Oberlin, OH 440-775-2386

Crop Production Services Tom KnuevenOttawa, OH419-523-3041

Brunswick Forage Seed SalesTim Brunswick Saint Henry, OH419-852-3477

Hostetler Farm Repair Amos Hostetler West Farmingto, OH 440-693-4273

Randall HorstRolling Hills SeedsZanesville, OH740-624-8140

PENNSYLVANIA

Josiah MillerGreenville, PA724-588-3484

N. INDIANA

Cps-DelphiDelphi, IN765-564-2613

Pitstick FarmsDan & Andy PitstickGoodland, IN219-869-0532

Samuel EicherGrabill, IN 260-416-7951

John A Schwartz4155 S 850 EHamilton, IN 46742

Ed BowmanKirklin, IN765-336-4385

Hertges Farms Chad HertgesLaPorte, IN 219-406-6158

Beech Road Seeds Melvin Helmuth Nappanee, IN 574-773-7717

Nutritional BlendingTom MoneyhefferNew Paris, IN800-285-0796

Tippy River SeedsElmer MartinRochester, IN574-223-6007

Townline Seed SupplyLarry YoderShipshewana, IN260-768-4561

Adam LinnemeierFort Wayne, IN260-710-7646

Walnut Grove FarmsScott Hixson8215 W 300 SSouth Whitley, IN 46787

Sunrise Seeds PlusLarry WeaverTopeka, IN260-463-3275

Honeyville Feed SupplyTopeka, IN260-593-9943

MICHIGAN

Crop Production ServicesAnn Arbor, MI734-426-8851

Pine Ridge FarmLeon StanleyBarryton, MI989-382-5415

Shady Lawn SeedWilliam Brennaman 4583 W Pleasant Valley RdBlanchard, MI

Crop Production ServicesBlissfield, MI517-486-3422

Cedar Springs Mill & SupplySamCedar Springs, MI616-696-9740

Carl ReimannCheboygan, MI231-238-7914

J&L Ag ServicesJeramie Ziola Chesaning, MI 989-798-4889

Dover Road SeedsJames MillerClare, MI989-386-7361

Clarksville Feed Store LLCClarksville, MI616-693-2777

Thumb PolyGary MartinDecker, MI810-404-9115

Engadine Feed & SupplyEngadine, MI906-477-6273

Dave DekamJohn Baas Falmouth, MI231-667-4237

Cushman Creek SupplyLeon HershbergerHolton, MI231-924-7014

Soil Tech SolutionsCephas Bontrager910 29 Mile RdHomer, MI517-524-8344

Ron CuthbertIthaca, MI 989-875-2435

Ulrich FarmsKurt CobbMillington, MI989-871-2314

Country Feed SupplyMio, MI989-826-2305

Michigan Livestock ServiceGreg PalenOvid, MI989-834-2661

Bonnell FarmsLarry BonnellPittsford, MI517-523-2738

Miller Feeds Inc.Travis MillerPrescott, MI989-345-1753

Country Vet SupplyKevin ToddReed City, MI231-832-5510

Ken LangmesserSaint Clair, MI810-329-3067

Crop Production ServicesSaline, MI734-429-2300

Cedar Lake FarmEarl BurkholderSheridan, MI989-261-3023

Miller Feed LLCNorman MillerSpruce, MI989-471-5523

Kevin RushStanton, MI989-831-5185

Jacob Hershberger16661 6 Mile RdStanwood, MI

Newland FarmsAdam NewlandThree Rivers, MI269-718-1075

Keinath Brothers DairyJohn KeinathVassar, MI989-823-2339

Darling Farms Doug DarlingRick GaskillWillis, MI 734-587-3466

Tom DykstraZeeland, MI616-218-9987

New Dealer Inquiries always invited. Please contact your territory manager

Byron Seeds Dealers - East & Northeast

Dennis Brown - EastOffice: 765-584-1342 • Cell: 765-546-2494 • brownviewseeds@rcwifi.com

Ernest Weaver - SouthwestOffice: 800-801-3596

Ernest Weaver - Southeast • Office: 800-801-3596Dennis Brown - Southeast • Office: 765-584-1342 Cell: 765-546-2494 • brownviewseeds@rcwifi.com

Gerry Davis - Northeast517-250-1144 • gdavis051@gmail.com

Larry Hawkins - NorthcentralCell: 608-516-0101 • lhawk1111@yahoo.com

Rick Tamm - NorthwestCell: 320-267-5021 • rtamm@albanytel.com

22

Byron Seeds Dealers - Northcentral & NorthwestIOWA

Mark HolthausDecorah, IA507-258-0772

Valley View AgRuss FunkeDyersville, IA563-590-6939

Nature’s Best LLCRoger Te SlaaInwood, IA712-753-4651

Timberline Sales & ServiceJoe GraberKalona, IA319-656-3527

D J Cattle CompanyDaryn YoderLeon, IA641-344-6002

Lee KurtenbachMechanicsville, IA319-241-5105

West Lincoln FarmEdwin LeidOsage, IA641-732-1079

Herman MastRedding, IA641-767-5403

WISCONSIN

Ike’s SeedEymard GrenwaltAthens, WI715-257-7915

Freddie J. YoderS12554 Gregor RdAugusta, WI 54722

Beachy Seed SupplyJoe BeachyBonduel, WI 715-758-8116

Jerian HolsteinsMike JacksonBarron, WI715-418-0876

Robert ZinckBoscobel, WI608-220-9229

Don MahrBoyd, WI715-667-3582

Steve HenningfieldBurlington, WI 262-661-9991

Jacob W. MillerS-2285 Role LnChaseburg, WI 54621

Bruce CaygillDodgeville, WI608-623-2103

Ration-al Dairy Decisions LLCLarry HawkinsEvansville, WI608-516-0101

Thomas C. KearnsGays Mills, WI608-734-3416

David J MalinGenoa, WI608-457-2416

Brimnew AgMarlin FoxGreenwood, WI715-316-1358

Howard V Miller24252 Hm DrHillsboro, WI 54634

Peak Forage Consulting LLCTim Huffman608-574-7918

Nelson Horst608-988-6855Hollandale, WI

Brendon BlankIxonia, WI920-285-4640

Frank’s OrganicJoe CarnesJefferson, WI920-674-5730

Olson SeedsDaniel OlsonLena, WI920-676-2516Brian Knutzen715-258-2026

Abraham Seed GroupDerryan AbrahamManawa, WI920-410-1305

Keith KreagerMarathon, WI715-443-2018

Henry A MillerW3805 Heritage RdMarkesan, WI 53946

Computerized Dairy ServiceBob JohnsonMarshfield, WI715-897-3010

Prairie Ag SupplyMenomonie, WIRobert Kistler715-235-2425

Chad McEathron715-556-2625

Tom Pfeilsticker715-556-2669

Neal Wininger715-556-0546

John TraynorMilton, WI608-295-8195

David StutzmanN370 W County Road OMondovi, WI 54755

Mike PlucinskiMonroe, WI608-558-2711

Stormdale FarmsDave StormsMuscoda, WI608-739-2251

Greg SchieldtNew Glarus, WI 608-712-5981

Rosedale Seeds Mark Rueth Oxford, WI 920-988-3070

Grass Ridge Farm LLC Paul Lippert Pittsville, WI 715-459-4735

S L SalesEli Stoltzfus 19900 Sunny LanePlatteville, WI

Summit Seed LLCJim WebbPlymouth, WI920-377-1079

Paul McCabeRandom Lake, WI920-838-1062

Daniel BeachyReedsburg, WI608-985-8789

Scenic Valley CoopDaryl MagolskiSeymour, WI920-370-5206

Quality Soil NutritionEugene ZimmermanSheldon, WI573-465-5796

Golden GrainsEdwin F. KnollSparta, WI608-269-5150

Kickapoo Valley Enterprises Kelley Andrew Sparta, WI 608-633-2332

Arnie’s Farm Care LLCMike RoganStratford, WI715-687-8159

Eberly AgJesse EberlyThorp, WI715-773-0019

Daryl DannerThorp, WI715-773-2719

Eli S. Borntreger28885 County Highway ATomah, WI 54660

Andrew MillerE10094 Andy Miller RdWeslby, WI 54667

Troy MadlandLyndon Station, WI608-393-1386

MINNESOTA

Crop & Livestock NutritionDale OmmodtAtwater, MN320-212-3190

Master SeedsDan Mast13156 430th StBertha, MN 56437

Dwight BurkholderClaremont, MN507-279-0292

Ervin Miller44454 120th Ave SEFertile, MN 56540

Jason MickelsonFrazee, MN218-849-3137

Greenwald ElevatorsJohn DockendorfGreenwald, MN320-987-3159320-290-1240

Stamschror FarmsJack StamschrorKellogg, MN 507-259-0269

Gerard BeckerLong Prairie, MN320-290-9261

Hy View FeedKit VandeMarkMabel, MN507-493-5564

Schimming Family FarmMike SchimmingPrinceton, MN763-370-3715

Mike WinscherRoyalton, MN320-282-6748

Shawn WinscherRoyalton, MN320-420-4516

Luxemburg Feed ServiceDale HansenSt. Augusta, MN320-252-1513

Schueler FarmsSherman SchuelerWillmar, MN320-894-4808

SOUTH DAKOTA

Bob CorioJefferson, SD712-251-1812

Nature’s Best LLCDan Uphoff Sioux Falls, SD 605-321-1862

Roger FrielerYankton, SD605-760-0514

GEORGIA

C & C Feed CompanyJohn Roy CliftonMillen, GA478-494-3160

Byron SoutheastSteve EshMontezuma, GA478-244-9454

ILLINOIS

Hershberger SalesLevi Hershberger Arthur, IL217-543-2092Rachel Marx217-254-8016

ProHarvestRandy Wilken Ashkum, IL815-698-2204

Vernon WeaverBluford, IL866-266-0893

Frank Gaddis Bonfield, IL815-933-4159

Farmstead SeedJacob LambrightCampbell Hill, IL618-965-9598 fx: 618-965-3171

Lake SeedsJeremy Lake Carrollton, IL217-370-2783

Joseph StuckelCissna Park, IL309-287-3490

Premium SeedMarvin Yoder Clayton, IL217-894-7053

Weaver SeedErnest WeaverDongola, IL800-801-3596

Bernard BrunsGermantown, IL618-779-3689

Matt DraperHutsonville, IL618-843-0424

C & S SeedCory RoelfsLudlow, IL217-841-1503

Maple Creek LivestockRyan WashburnMartinsville, IL618-319-0358

Gerald PleckhamMatteson, IL708-692-4415

Larry LottPearl City, IL815-443-2812

MISSOURI

Weston WalkerAldrich, MO417-777-0599

Northwest MetalDaniel Borntrager 16697 W. St. Hwy F Bethany, MO

Hostetler Farm SupplyPaul Hostetler Buffalo, MO417-345-7935

Chris ShetlerClark, MO660-346-9364

Martin’s Farm ServiceClair Martin Gorin, MO319-520-5881

Railsback FarmsWill Railsback Hamilton, MO816-465-1005

Kauffman Repair & SupplyLewis N Kauffman 12145 Iceberg AveLa Plata, MO

Hostetler Farm SupplyRuss HostetlerSedalia, MO660-827-2354

Sammy J M Schwartz4773 Hazelwood RdSeymour, MO

Pasture Profits Fence SupplyKelvin Hostetler Shelbina, MO573-214-1741

Midvale Farm SupplyErvin StoltzfusSummersville, MO573-465-2142

Hostetler Farm SupplyDavid Kilmer Versailles, MO573-378-5600

EIPar SeedsJim Elliot Versailles, MO573-378-4540

Coon Creek Seeds Reuben ZimmermanWheeling, MO660-659-2591

ARKANSAS

H & H Farm SupplyWillis HeadingsViola, AR870-458-3505

KENTUCKY

Heritage FarmsCraig CohronBowling Green, KY270-202-9346

Trigg County Seeds Stevie P Stoltzfus Cadiz, KY 765-426-4052

Fairview General StoreIvan Hostetler Campbellsville, KY270-789-0802

Central Crop CareNathaniel EbyCrab Orchard, KY606-510-0806

Nature’s Choice LLCMark Schwartz Flemingsburg, KY606-845-8718

South Central Farm Supply Mike Brown Gamaliel, KY 270-457-3645

Shetler EquipmentDavid ShetlerGlasgow, KY 270-646-7740

Jerry FieldsGreensburg, KY270-405-6263

Spring Creek HardwareAmos EStoltzfusGuthrie, KY270-483-9967 270-266-0375

Rainbow SeedsMelvin Troyer Guthrie, KY270-265-9154

Robin WilcherHustonville, KY606-365-9058

Ky Nutrition CenterDr. Ron Wendlanddt Lawrenceburg, KY502-839-4222

Goldenrod FeedAlbert Shirk Liberty, KY 606-787-1748

Eli Bontrager2175 Mt. Zion Church RdMarion, KY 42064

Cedar Lane SeedsDaniel J Miller Munfordville, KY270-524-9500

Country Haven SeedIsaac L Stoltzfus Oak Grove, KY270-885-8584

Yoder Feed SupplyJacob YoderRussellville, KY270-755-5749

Rice Agri-MarketingJeff Rice Utica, KY 270-314-4317

Edge Farm SeedsMike Edge Whitesville, KY270-233-9020

TENNESSEE

West TN StablesLevi Mast311 Mayberry RdMcKenzie, TN

SMHART-SEEDTim KoeshallPhiladelphia, TN423-404-8569

Goad Seed CompanyLawrence Goad Red Boiling Springs, TN 615-388-1231

Sullivan Farm SupplyMark Sullivan Spencer, TN 931-224-9105

Byron Seeds Dealers - Southwest & Southeast

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Byron Seeds, LLC775 N 350 E

Rockville, IN 47872

YOUR

COVER CROP EXPERTS

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What we’ve learnedCover crops help make farms sustainable.

The most important part of farmers continuing their traditions and way of life requires making money.

Some of the best news about cover crops is that they not only increase yields, make soils healthier, but they can also reduce input costs.

Think about this! Data shows yields jumped an average of 5 percent in 2013 after using cover crops. Those same farmers saw a 10 percent

average yield hike during the 2012 drought.

Byron Seeds’ extensive cover crop line up is an opportunity for our company to help fellow farmers do what’s right

for our families, our land, and our communities.