This week, we have been talking with Holland, Iowa farmer Dale Launstein about his farm?s use of cover crops. They are using the practice on 100% of their acres. There has been a big push to get cover crops or some other form of conservation farming on more acres across the country. Supporters say that the results in cleaner water and healthier soil speak for themselves.
We have talked with Launstein about getting started and facing the weather challenges that 2021 has brought. Today, we will look at the overall improvements he says he has seen in his fields.
Launstein says that his use of cover crops has given them a lot of improvements to the soil. He says that the ground is firming up and they are seeing better root structures and water infiltration. He says these improvements were noticed in a very short time.
He adds that you cannot get into this for the short term. You need to be invested in a long-term commitment if you are wanting to see the kinds of results that many farmers are getting with their cover crops. It also helps you maintain those improvements for years to come
Launstein says the farms they have been running for a while, are not needing as much intensive treatment anymore. However, as they rent fields that are new to cover crops, it is taking them some time to realize the benefits.
Our next installment will wrap up our discussion with Dale Launstein about what he sees coming for the future of cover crops and other conservation farming practices.
