New Cover Crop Guide Published by Precision Conservation Management

Mar 08, 2024

Precision Conservation Management (PCM), a program of IL Corn and the Illinois Soybean Association, released a new cover crop guidebook this month in Prairie Farmer Magazine. PCM has conducted several data analyses of enrolled farmers and cover crop use since 2016. For this booklet, they compiled data and personal experiences of the most profitable PCM farmers using cover crops to share insights with farmers new to the conservation practice.

According to Laura Gentry, Director of Water Quality, “Cover crops remain the best conservation practice in the organic rich soils of the Midwest where nutrient loss, soil health, and climate change are concerns. Many farmers have also seen agronomic benefits related to weed control, water infiltration, and protection during crop-loss weather events. Still, there are hindrances to cover crop adoption, including the decision fatigue associated with identifying the right combination of species, planting methods, herbicide treatments, and termination timing.”

PCM’s new guidebook titled Managing Risks with Cover Crops aims to help farmers understand how to use cover crops without sacrificing profitability. Through data and interviews, the information in this guidebook covers:

Key factors to maintaining profitability when implementing cover crops
Cover crop species selection
Recommended starter programs for farmers new to cover crops
Budgets and potential income from programs like PCM, EQIP, and carbon markets

“Farmers should try cover crops to get a head of fertilizer regulations. Try it on small acreage dedicating the program to a long-term program,” said Steve Staker, a farmer from Aledo, IL.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.