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Farmers see benefits of conservation practices

A northeast Indiana farmer says she has improved soil health and her bottom line with cover crops and nutrient management.

Sarah Delbecq grows corn, soybeans, and wheat in DeKalb County.

“Especially on the cover crop side, that nicely complements the no-till system and reduces erosion and compaction issues and we have also seen it be beneficial in weed control,” she says.  

Audio: Sarah Delbecq, Indiana farmer

Carter Morgan grows corn, soybeans, and wheat in west central, Indiana.

He says cover crops have reduced weed pressure in his fields.

“Cereal rye ahead of beans on marestail seems to work, it’s not eliminating weeds but its suppressing them,” he says. “We see it with waterhemp as well- not as much- but it’s that suppression.”

Audio: Carter Morgan, Indiana farmer

Advice he has to growers is to start small on the worst farms and see what works.

Delbecq and Morgan participated in a panel during the 2019 Indiana 4R Field Day by the Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance.