How Late is Too Late to Plant Cover Crops This Fall?

With warmer-than-normal temperatures throughout much of the midwest, the window for cover crop planting this season may be extended in certain areas according to Keith Berns, owner of Green Cover Seed out of Bladen, Nebraska. Supply chain disruptions and input cost increases associated with glyphosate and other herbicide programs have many farmers turning to cover crops to assist with weed management for next year’s growing season. Along with monitoring forecasted conditions, how late you can plant also depends on what type of cover crop you’re targeting. Berns points to winter peas and several species of cereals as examples that could work well as a late planting. Read more on fall cover crop planting here.