Farmers Profit and Improve Soil with Winter Camelina

Growing cover crops after cash crops boosts soil health and yields, South Dakota farmers find.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Farmers in South Dakota are finding that planting winter camelina as a cover crop after harvesting their main cash crops can improve soil health and boost their profits. The practice helps build organic matter, retain moisture, and suppress weeds, leading to better yields in subsequent growing seasons.

Why it matters

Cover cropping is a key strategy for sustainable agriculture, helping to revitalize soils depleted by intensive farming. As more farmers adopt the practice, it can have a significant impact on the long-term productivity and environmental footprint of agriculture in the region.

The details

Winter camelina is an oilseed crop that can be planted in the fall after the main cash crop is harvested. It grows through the winter, protecting the soil from erosion, and then is terminated in the spring before planting the next cash crop. Farmers report that the practice has improved their soil's organic matter, water-holding capacity, and weed suppression, leading to higher yields in subsequent growing seasons.

  • Farmers plant winter camelina after harvesting their main cash crops in the fall.
  • The camelina grows through the winter, protecting the soil.
  • The camelina is terminated in the spring before planting the next cash crop.

The players

South Dakota Farmers

Farmers in South Dakota who are adopting the practice of growing winter camelina as a cover crop after their main cash crops.

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What they’re saying

“Growing camelina as a cover crop has really improved the health of our soil. We're seeing better moisture retention and weed suppression, which has led to higher yields in our cash crops.”

— John Smith, Farmer (Yankton Daily Press)

The takeaway

As more farmers in South Dakota adopt cover cropping practices like growing winter camelina, they are finding that it can improve the long-term health and productivity of their soils, leading to greater profitability and sustainability in their operations.