Scaling Up National Cover Crop Seed Supplies Through Research


  Added 5 months ago

Scaling Up National Cover Crop Seed Supplies Through Research

Researchers nationwide are working to develop cover crop varieties that are better suited to regional environments.

Etienne Sutton, Program Manager at the University of Missouri’s Centre for Regenerative Agriculture, leads the National Cover Crop Variety Development Project.

“We have a team collaborating with the cover crop seed industry to improve contract seed production with farmers and enhance marketing strategies for different cover crop species and varieties, ultimately strengthening the cover crop seed industry,” Sutton explains.

She notes that rising demand from incentive programs has put pressure on seed supplies, and the project aims to boost domestic production.

“If you check many cover crop seed websites right now, you’ll find they’re out of stock,” she says. “We recognise the urgent need to scale up production. Our project will offer trainings and workshops to help farmers integrate seed production into their operations.”

As part of their early research, the Cover Crop Breeding Network has already released improved varieties of hairy vetch, crimson clover, and winter peas. Studies on cereal rye and winter canola are ongoing in collaboration with farmers and universities.

Sutton spoke with Brownfield during the recent Great Lakes Crop Summit in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.


Join the conversation

Be the first to leave a comment.

Leave a comment

All comments are reviewed before they are published on the website. Your email address will not be published.

Fill out my online form.
Resilience in Practice Field day
Resilience in Practice Field day
Added 9 hrs ago
A Comprehensive Review of the Soil Health Status for Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability
A Comprehensive Review of the Soil Health Status for Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability
Added yesterday
Tinder for Cows: NZ Farmer’s AI Breeding App Revolutionises Dairy Farming
Tinder for Cows: NZ Farmer’s AI Breeding App Revolutionises Dairy Farming
Added 6 days ago
Farmers and Catchment Groups Driving the Next Wave of Freshwater Restoration
Farmers and Catchment Groups Driving the Next Wave of Freshwater Restoration
Added a week ago
Lowering Costs and Enriching the Soil – One Farmer’s Regenerative Journey
Lowering Costs and Enriching the Soil – One Farmer’s Regenerative Journey
Added 2 weeks ago
On The Up - Laser Bird Deterrent Saves Hawke’s Bay Kiwifruit Orchard from Gull Invasion
On The Up - Laser Bird Deterrent Saves Hawke’s Bay Kiwifruit Orchard from Gull Invasion
Added 3 weeks ago