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26 SEEDWORLD.COM OCTOBER 2015 Jim Isermann who farms 900 acres of corn soybeans and wheat in Streator Ill. believes yield is up in his cover-cropped fields but he hasnt done direct comparisons. Isermann says he can spot differences in the fields. Plant health is evident says Isermann who also serves as cover crop specialist for the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices. The crop seems healthier it stays green a little longer and it extends the life cycle of the plant. Isermann started planting cover crops in 2008 as forage for his 80 beef cattle. Since then hes saved on feed costs and he believes certain crops keep weed pressure down. Were seeing that cereal rye helps to control weeds he says. Weve definitely been able to cut back on herbicides. Many Uses Ask a cover crop specialist or seed salesperson why you should plant cover crops and he or she will likely turn the question around and ask What is it youd like to improve about your soil Its not about getting just anything in the ground after har- vest its about managing your own needs Groff says. Choosing your cover crop program is like choosing a spouse you have to choose one thats right for you he says. According to the CTICSARE survey 84 percent of respond- ents planted cereal grains and grasses in 2014 with cereal rye annual ryegrass and oats leading the way. Many of those grow- ers may have been looking to capture nitrogen that might have otherwise run off their fields. Those crops can also be useful in controlling erosion or weeds. Others about 61 percent planted brassica with radish rape- seed and turnips leading the way. Radishes in particular which can drill down as far as 14 inches into the ground can loosen compacted soil. Legumes the next most common cover crop were planted by 57 percent of farmers. Crimson clover is known to fix nitro- gen and it supports aphid predators helping control insect pressure. Farmers have a lot of options. They simply need to apply the right crop to their situation. Jerry Hall co-founder of Grassland Oregon says the overall message he sends to farmers is that soil needs to be treated like any other tool on the farm. Cover crops are like greasing the bearings and changing the oil in your tractor Hall says. You can get by for a little while not doing that but not for long. Some view it as an added expense when in reality they should look at it as maintenance for their land. Seed companies that specialize in cover crops have an opportunity to build business with customers who need help determining how to best use cover crops and who specifically look to them for expertise. According to the CTICSARE survey 36 percent of respond- ents say they prefer purchasing seed from a company that specializes in cover crops and 31 percent say that ag retailers are their choice. Clearly theyre looking for expertise in the field and for a friendly local face they feel they can trust. According to the survey That hints at exciting business opportunities for cover crop seed specialists and challenges for ag retailers and conventional seed channels in serving the growing cover crop market.