Covering Ground: Lessons Learned at the Upper White Cover Crop Field Day

By Anita Sharkey

The Upper White River Watershed is a crucial source of freshwater for many Indiana residents, including those in Indianapolis. This year marks the 7^th year ISA and ICMC have overseen the Upper White Cover Crop Program, which allows farmers in the watershed to try out cover crops with the goal of meeting nutrient and sediment reduction goals.  

The watershed, which spans multiple counties in east-central Indiana, channels rainfall and melting snow into creeks and streams which eventually drains into larger Mississippi River basin.

On Aug. 13, farmers and industry representatives gathered for the Upper White Cover Crop Program Field Day on Joe Hamilton’s farm near Muncie, Indiana, to share their results and compare findings.

The day started with insightful presentations on the program’s offerings, including free seed and aerial seeding options for up to 40 acres. It also included a deep dive into the baseline soil sampling and biomass data collected over the years, highlighting the program’s commitment to soil health and sustainable farming practices. 

Joe Hamilton shared his experiences with cover crops in a no-till system, showcasing his planter and discussing his challenges and successes. Guest speaker, AJ Adkins of NTM Ag/Dawn Equipment, explained how to adjust and modify equipment to optimize performance in various cropping scenarios.

ISA is a proud sponsor of the Digital Ag Van, which was present at the field day. Attendees were given a demonstration of the spray drones. After a successful pilot last year, they continue to use these drones for their efficiency and precision in farming.

Farmers were informed of some statistics on cover crops for contexts: In 2023, Indiana ranked second in the nation for cover crop acres planted into corn and soybeans. According to a 2023 Conservation Survey conducted by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and Indiana Conservation Partnership, 596,000 acres of cover crops were planted on corn acres, which is up 153 percent from 2017. Additionally, 931,000 acres of cover crops were planted on soybean acres, an increase of 245 percent from 2017. 

Joe also showcased an innovative approach to corn cultivation on his farm. He has dedicated several acres to growing corn with an unconventional 60-inch row spacing. Joe has implemented a clever dual-purpose strategy in the expansive areas between these corn rows. He’s planted cover crops, which serve not only to protect and enrich the soil but also provide a nutritious food source for his herd of beef cattle. This integrated system demonstrates Joe’s commitment to maximizing land use efficiency while supporting his crop production and livestock operations.

The event was an excellent opportunity for farmers to learn from each other and experts in the field, reinforcing the importance of cover crops in sustainable agriculture. The success of this field day promises more valuable learning opportunities in the future.