A University of Idaho Extension trail conducted at Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center in Salmon is reporting an informative second growing season in its cover crop project to raise two forage crops from a single field in the growing season.
Cover crops fix soil nitrogen levels and boost organic matter, yet offer farmers no direct commercial benefit. Extension beef specialist John Hall and his colleagues chose to graze a cow herd on cover crops in fall followed by a winter wheat.
The return of nutrients from cow manure and high-density short duration grazing facilitated by temporary electric fences is used to maximize soil health during the cover crop season. The team has been experimenting with how the cattle respond to different cover crops and what allows the calves to be ready for sale in the early fall.
The yield and quality of the winter wheat is also being measured with variables adjusted for ideal results. The first two years have been funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, though researchers are seeking additional funding for future years’ projects.
Joshua Reisenfeld can be reached at [email protected].