Cover crops help the climate and environment, but most farmers say no. Many fear losing money
Associated PressDES MOINES, Iowa — Called cover crops, they top the list of tasks U.S. farmers are told will build healthy soil, help the environment and fight climate change. Doug Downs steps out of his tractor while working, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at his farm near Allerton, Ill. Downs, the Illinois farmer, has tried to incorporate cover crops into some of his operations, especially to control weeds. Terry Cosby, chief of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, acknowledged establishing effective cover crops can take time and some experimenting but said farmers who stick with them should see significant benefits. Even then, Arbuckle said, it can be hard to convince farmers to give cover crops a try because, despite the significant environmental benefits, a small drop in cash crop yield can mean a big cost.
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