Soil protection program aimed at improving cover crops and sustainable soil management practices.
“With rapid growth in the cover crop sector, pressure has been placed on the seed industry to find higher quality seed to meet farmers’ sustainability needs,” KWS Cereals country manager Becca Brattain said in a KWS news release. “We invested in meeting this challenge and are excited to provide a solution.”
A recent American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) survey predicted an additional 10.5 million acres of cover crops will be planted in the next five years to support conservation practices. Brattain highlighted that “the launch of KWS Cover+™ helps meet that demand” by offering farmers a high-quality common rye seed that aids in soil integrity between commercial crop seasons.
“The KWS Cover+™ is produced from elite hybrid rye genetics, ensuring consistency in performance,” Brattain explained. This high-quality seed is derived directly from KWS Hybrid Rye, making it robust and capable of fast germination. Farmers can expect the traditional benefits of rye, such as soil erosion control, water retention, nutrient preservation, weed suppression, organic matter enhancement, and carbon capture, with the assurance of a trusted genetic source.
Brattain also pointed out that KWS Cover+™ opens new market opportunities for farmers growing KWS Hybrid Rye.
“In the past, any unused grain had to go to animal feed. Hybrid Rye growers now have a valuable option to market their crop in a soil protection program,” she said.
Farmers can purchase KWS Cover+™ products from authorized sellers and license partners in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit KWS Cover+.
Brattain added that there are specific terms and conditions associated with the use of KWS Cover+™, similar to USDA EQIP guidelines. One key rule is that it must be terminated before maturity, with appropriate termination methods detailed on the website.
