By MICHELE F. MIHALJEVICH

Indiana Correspondent

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Farmers who have never used cover crops – and those who have – will be able to get new or more tips about the practice from a soil health advocate and researcher during an upcoming conference.

The March 11 “Let’s Talk Some Dirt” event will feature Jill Clapperton, co-founder of Rhizoterra, Inc. “She’ll illustrate to producers what good soil health means to the soil, to the farm,” explained Greg Lake, district director of the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District.

“Not only does it help with production, but also with the grains individually. When you grow in a favorable environment, the grain is of better quality. The soybean protein value is higher. The grain density is higher.”

The morning part of Clapperton’s presentation will be what Lake calls “Soil Health 101” – a focus on more elementary information geared toward beginning cover crops users. As the day progresses, she’ll move toward “Soil Health 201,” when she’ll share information for those with experience in the practice.

“It’s a challenge for us to target all groups,” Lake said. “There are some producers who will stay through lunch. The producers who have used cover crops and who have the basics down, they’re eager to learn more. They can get a secondary level of understanding (in the afternoon).”

He is pleasantly surprised producers are showing an increased interest in cover. “There are more messages out there about cover crops. Five to 10 years ago, we wouldn’t have seen that. The concept of cover crops is starting to become somewhat center-stage.”

Despite that, a majority of farmers still don’t use cover, he noted. “There are a host of reasons that go through my mind when I think about why they don’t adopt cover crops,” Lake said. “One, if the system they’re currently using has been working for them and they’re pleased with the yield and pleased with the system, it may be a case of, ‘if it’s not broken, why try to fix it’.’

“Also, using cover crops does change the complexity of how you manage your farm operation.”

The cost of the crops plus labor could also be reasons why some farmers shy away from cover crops. The perception by some growers that the practice will lead to cooler or wetter soils may be a factor as well, Lake added. If cover crops are managed property, the perception often isn’t reality.

“You also have guys who tried it but didn’t put a fully committed effort into it,” he pointed out. “They’ll say, ‘I did it once, it didn’t work, you won’t get me to try it again.’”

Given current corn and soybean prices, some farmers may opt to cut cover crops if they’re looking to reduce costs: “Some producers might pull out, thinking they’re saving money, but that actually might be costing you money.”

The conference is 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Parkview Mirror Center, 10622 Parkview Plaza Drive in Fort Wayne. There is no charge, but organizers would like reservations made by March 1. Lunch will be served.

For more information or to register, call 260-484-5848, ext. 3. The conference is sponsored by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the North East Indiana Conservation Partnership.