Starting Cover Crops: A 5-Step Guide with Kristin Poley

Today on “The Grow Down on Soil Health,” Kristin Poley guides you through a practical and easy-to-follow five-step process for establishing cover crops in your fields. Topics covered include:

• How to establish both short-term and long-term goals. 
• Identifying a test area. 
• Selecting species that align with your goals and equipment.
• Developing both an initial and backup termination plan.
• The importance of patience and thorough note-taking.

Poley has a background in entomology with a focus on pest management. She has extensive experience in various commodities, including tree fruit, vegetables and row crops. Poley is the director of research and agronomy for the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, Michigan’s Corn Checkoff Program. Additionally, she serves as a technical advisor with Farmers for Soil Health.  

Farmers for Soil Health is a program created by farmers for farmers. It is committed to enhancing soil health practices, like planting cover crops, to improve the environment and farmers' profitability. Check out FarmersforSoilHealth.com for more information.

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Soy Checkoff, Pork Checkoff and the National Corn Growers Association.