A recent USDA survey reports that cover crop usage is up considerably across the U.S. In 2017, approximately 15.4 million cover crop acres were recorded. The latest survey now says 317 million acres or 40% of the average farmer’s acreage. The survey, which questioned 34,000 farmers, found that 59% of farmers use cover crops from May through September. Farmers report financial incentives as one of the primary reasons for increased cover crop adoption.

However, of the six conservation practices listed on the survey, cover crops remain the lowest adoption rate for soil-health-focused practices.

Read more on U.S. cover crop adoption and growth here.