The Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota along with three other groups just completed a USDA funded cover crop study of eight farms in Minnesota and Iowa. Sustainable Farming Association Livestock and Grazing Specialist Kent Solberg says they found cover crops can pay for themselves when combined with rotational grazing of cattle.

He says the study also showed improved soil health and multiple other benefits from combining cover crops with rotational grazing.

Solberg says for farmers who don’t own livestock, they can still get some of the benefits of rotational grazing by participating in the Grazing Exchange, which is located on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s website.

Solberg says the three-year study was funded by a USDA Conservation Innovation Grant.