Closeup of corn seedlings with cover crop for conservationCover crops are a focal point of agricultural conservation. But can they lend a hand in profitability for livestock producers? As feed costs soar, cattle producers are looking to cover crops as an opportunity for a homegrown forage. Seeding a cover crop immediately following corn and soybean harvest, can provide good fall growth and grazing opportunities. Contact your trusted insurance agent for more information and rules for cover crop growth in your area.

In Iowa, for example, total cover crop acres continue to expand. Practical Farmers of Iowa reported fewer than 10,000 acres were planted in 2009, and now well over 600,000 acres span the state.

Read more on cover crop use as a forage here.