Resources

Under the Covers Podcast

Iowa Cover Crop’s official podcast hosted by co-founders Bill Frederick and James Holz. Each episode is recorded during a game of cribbage. When the game ends, the episode ends.

James and Bill are Iowa farmers who built an independent seed business rooted in practical farming and sustainable agriculture. With this podcast, the unfiltered conversations we’ve had for years, in the seed shed, at the farm gate, and over a few pond beers, are now on the record.

James looks back on his first year transitioning from traditional feedlot management to try his hand a cow / calf herd.
If you’ve ever asked, “What cover crop should I plant?” this episode is for you.
What’s the best way to seed a cover crop? It depends.
Water quality is back in the headlines, and this week Bill and James dig into why.
A farmer-to-farmer conversation about Iowa water quality, nitrogen management, responsibility, and the realities of modern agriculture.
Bill and James celebrate county fair week with a look back at their 4-H days.
Hairy vetch is a winter-hardy legume with the potential to provide serious nitrogen ahead of corn, but like most things in farming, it comes with a few “well, it depends” moments.
James recently went all in on the cow business with two semi-loads of black cows. This episode turns into a real-world conversation about systems, management styles, and lessons learned over the years.
Bill and James sit down at the cribbage board to talk cattle, grazing, and why more farmers may be looking at livestock differently in the years ahead.
From launching a new alfalfa line (yes, named after legendary tractor models) to expanding turf and forage offerings, the guys break down what’s been happening at Iowa Cover Crop this spring.
Bill and James continue their talk about oat season for 2026.
Oats aren’t flashy, but they might be one of the most underrated crops in the rotation.