Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to share their thoughts on cover crops—whether or not they plant them—in the National Cover Crop Survey.
The online survey is anonymous and provides valuable production insight.
For the seventh time since 2012, the Conservation Technology Information Center, USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program and American Seed Trade Association are collaborating to host the nationwide survey.
“Since 2012, the National Cover Crop Survey has been extremely valuable in helping guide research priorities, direct communications and education efforts, provide data to researchers, and illustrate the effects of policy on cover crop use and adoption,” says Dr. Rob Myers, regional director of extension programs for North Central SARE and director of the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture. “Data from previous surveys have been used in scientific papers, business planning, extension efforts, media coverage of cover crops, and even included in testimony to Congress.”
The number of questions depends on the individual farm. Most participants can expect to complete the survey in about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the variety of crops and cover crops used in their operation.
The last survey completed was during 2019-2020. Responses from 1,172 farmers highlighted the impact of cover crop use on prevent plant claims, planting date and crop insurance preference. Of the responses, 70.5% observed improved weed control when using cover crops. Modest improvements were noted when using an additional cropping cycle in soybean, wheat and corn yields by 5%, 2.6% and 2%, respectively.
If you have issues with this survey or questions, please direct them to the Conservation Technology Information Center at ctic@ctic.org.
Click here to take the survey. All survey responses are confidential.
After completing the questionnaire, farmers and ranchers may enter a drawing for one of three $100 gift cards.
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