One Acre, Two Paychecks: The Promise of Relay Cropping

Jun 12, 2026

Around 40 farmers, researchers, industry professionals, and students gathered at Iowa State University's Sorenson Farm near Boone, Iowa, in early June to explore how relay cropping systems could help improve farm profitability, soil health, and crop diversity across Iowa.

Hosted by Iowa State University and the Iowa Soybean Research Center, the field day highlighted ongoing research led by Dr. Silvina Arias, plant pathologist with the Iowa State University Seed Science Center and Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology (PPEM), and Dr. Shrishail Navi, plant pathologist and researcher in the Seed Science Center and PPEM. The event featured tours of large-scale research plots, demonstrations of precision agriculture technology, and discussions about emerging crops and market opportunities. Co-investigator and collaborator on this project include Leonor Leandro, Professor of PPEM, and Mark Licht, Associate Professor of Agronomy.

"We are trying to implement new agricultural systems in Iowa to bring biodiversity, provide another profitable option for farmers, and improve soil health," Arias told attendees during opening remarks. The project examines relay cropping systems that combine soybeans with winter and spring crops, including cereal rye and winter camelina, to determine their agronomic, plant health, and soil benefits, with the purpose of implementing a sustainable continuous soybean system in Iowa

Relay cropping involves planting a second crop into a standing crop before the first crop is harvested. According to Navi, the system offers multiple advantages.

"Having cereals and oilseeds provides multiple benefits," Navi said. "It helps to minimize weed infestations, reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, and provide additional income opportunities because farmers can harvest two crops from the same piece of land."

Source : iastate.edu

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.