What’s the best way to seed a cover crop? It depends.
In this episode of Under the Covers, Bill and James break down the pros and cons of the most common ground application methods, including drills, high-clearance seeders, fertilizer spreaders, and vertical tillage. They discuss where each method shines, where each falls short, and how to match your application strategy to your goals, labor, equipment, and budget.
The conversation also dives into favorite drills, lessons learned after years of custom application, common mistakes, and why there isn’t a single “best” way to establish a cover crop.
As expected, the guys wander off course with stories about old equipment, rental cars with a mind of their own, a newfound appreciation for Lincoln Town Cars, and welcome the newest member of the Iowa Cover Crop team.
Whether you’re planting your first cover crop or looking to fine-tune your system, this episode is full of practical, farmer-to-farmer advice to help you make the most of fall seeding.
