No-Till Farmers Weigh Costs and Benefits of Cover Crops

The Cover Crop Economic Decision Support Tool helps growers make informed decisions on using cover crops.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:41am

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An abstract illustration composed of clean, geometric shapes in primary colors, representing the economic concepts behind no-till farming practices like cover crops, precision technology, and fertilizer application.Geometric visualizations of the economic factors driving no-till farming decisions, from cover crop costs to precision technology.Cincinnati Today

The article discusses the economic considerations around using cover crops, including a tool to help growers evaluate the costs and benefits. It also covers other no-till farming practices like precision technology, fertilizer application, and wheat production costs.

Why it matters

As no-till farming continues to grow, understanding the economic factors around cover crops and other precision techniques is crucial for farmers to make informed decisions that balance productivity, sustainability, and profitability.

The details

The article highlights the Cover Crop Economic Decision Support Tool, which helps growers evaluate the costs and benefits of using cover crops. It also discusses considerations around planting new alfalfa fields, using precision technology for better accuracy, adjusting fertilizer application rates, and managing wheat production costs amid price fluctuations.

  • The 23rd annual National No-Tillage Conference was held in Cincinnati, Ohio in January.

The players

University of Nebraska

Provides recommendations on selecting alfalfa traits and considering costs when planting new fields.

Jim Irwin

A no-tiller who began strip-tilling in 1996 and faced challenges with precisely placing seed in the strips.

Jeff and Clay Reints

A father-son duo who have turned to auto-steer and prescription planting to cut seed costs, gauge field fertility, and improve yield consistency.

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The takeaway

As no-till farming continues to evolve, growers must carefully evaluate the economic factors around cover crops, precision technology, fertilizer application, and other practices to balance productivity, sustainability, and profitability on their operations.