Catching Up and Planting Ahead

We caught up on soybean harvest this week by finishing the fields that were ready. While we wait for the rest of our soybeans to ripen and the corn to reach maturity, we decided to shift gears and start planting cover crops on the ground we’ve already harvested.

This year we’re using cereal rye as our cover crop of choice. Rye is hardy, easy to establish, and provides great soil protection through the winter. Once spring arrives, it helps improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and boost organic matter for the next crop.

We’re planting it using our planter, which allows us to get the seed in the ground with good depth control and seed-to-soil contact—something that can make a big difference in getting a uniform stand before winter. The weather has been cooperative so far, and it’s always satisfying to see those rows going in, knowing they’ll protect and enrich the soil through the months ahead.

Cover crops are one of those investments that pay off quietly—building healthier soil, improving water infiltration, and leaving the land better for the next season.