Cover crops becoming more popular

Now that fall harvest is well underway, producers may want to consider seeding a cover crop.

Cover crops are becoming more popular as producers learn the benefits that cover crops have to offer. Timing is critical depending on the type of cover crop being established.

For example, radishes and turnips are normally best planted after small grain harvest while rye can be seeded two or three months later.

Producers interested in learning more about cover crops may want to visit the Leroy Bergbigler farm on Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The farm is located at 233 Game Reserve Road, Butler.

This cover crop field day will provide a good opportunity to view various cover crops seeded in early September.

Highlights will include cover crop planting opportunities after corn silage harvest and retaining nitrogen and phosphorus following manure applications.

A Penn State Extension specialist will be attending the event to lead the discussion and answer questions.

This will be a great opportunity to view cover crop establishment and growth in the Western Pennsylvania region.

Cover crops and mixtures used include:

• Crimson clover and annual ryegrass

• Crimson clover and triticale

• Crimson clover and oats

• Annual ryegrass and oats

• Rye and oats

• Tillage radish, hairy vetch and rye

• Rye

There is no fee to attend this event, but reservations are requested in order to determine a count for the light lunch that will be served.

For more information on this event or to register, contact the Armstrong County Extension Office at 724-548-3447 or e-mail Alicia Spangler at ajs5201@psu.edu.

Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.