Boosting a Farm’s Resiliency Through Cover Crops and Crop Rotations

Ross McCaw began planting cover crops in 2019 to try to reduce his nitrogen inputs. He’s taking part in a nitrogen reduction trial through PFI’s on-farm research program to document the results. In 2023, Ross started planting a three-crop rotation to raise more rye for seed and get all of the benefits of cover crops. He added plant growth regulators to achieve a healthier rye stand for harvesting. After the rye comes out, he drills in a diverse cover crop mix. Ross is partnering with his landlord to graze his 25 cattle in the fall and has added a grazing mix to the rotation in one of his fields.

At this field day, you’ll see the diverse cover crop mix growing after the rye has been harvested, and before the cattle graze it. We’ll also see a field planted in cover crops going into corn the following year.

A meal will be served following the field day.