Allow Livestock to Graze Cover Crops this Spring

Updated 3/1/08

Iowa NRCS State Grassland Specialist Brian Peterson (right) with Ringgold County cattleman Lee Faris.

FARM BROADCASTER:

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service says allowing livestock to graze cover crops this spring may be an excellent option for some farmers. Here’s NRCS State Grassland Conservationist Brian Peterson: 

GrazeCoverCrops (MP3, :25): (Transcript) Planted right after fall harvest on highly erodible ground, cover crops are often used to reduce soil erosion, protect water quality, improve nitrogen capture and cut fertilizer costs. We want producers to maximize yields while protecting the environment. If you have cover crops, consider grazing them. As long as soil compaction is prevented, grazing cover crops can be another tool farmers use to benefit the environment and reduce feed costs.  (.wav file, 4.3 MB)

FARM BROADCASTER:

For more information about cover crops, see your local NRCS office. 

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If you would like to interview Brian Peterson, call him directly on his cell phone at 515-577-0901.

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