COVER CROPS SUPPORT
CONSERVATION & PROVIDE
AGRONOMIC BENEFITS TO
NON-GMO SOYBEAN FARMERS
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INCENTIVES NOW AVAILABLE FOR NON-GMO SOYBEAN GROWERS
APPLICATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 4, 2023
A new incentive opportunity is now available to all non-GMO soybean growers in Illinois, made possible by a partnership between Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources (STAR).
STAR is a free tool developed for farmers by farmers to evaluate, plan, and receive unbiased technical support for conservation practices on individual fields.
Through December 4, 2023, non-GMO soybean growers willing to provide information about their field management practices and non-GMO soybean growers who are interested in implementing cover crops can qualify for a minimum $250 incentive payment.
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$250 for non-GMO soybean growers who are willing to share their current management practices through an online survey developed by ISA and who complete a STAR field form
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$250 BONUS for farmers growing non-GMO soybean in 2023 who already implement cover crops
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$30/acre BONUS (up to 80 acres per farmer) for non-GMO soybean growers who implement cover crops in Fall 2023 or Fall 2024
For more information, visit starfreetool.com
RESOURCES
More Illinois farmers are integrating key conservation practices like cover crops while growing non-GMO soybeans, resulting in agronomic and environmental benefits. These methods are vital to the future of farming in Illinois.
Whether you are considering switching to non-GMO soybeans or implementing cover crops, the team at Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District has these reminders about the benefits of growing non-GMO soybeans and utilizing cover crops.
For more information, contact Ivan Dozier, CCA Resource Conservationist.
For more information and the latest research on non-GMO soybeans from the Illinois Soybean Association
To help you determine the best cover crop for your fields
NON-GMO SOYBEANS PROVIDE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE FOR FARMERS
PREMIUM CROP
The seed is cheaper to purchase and when managed right, non-GMO varieties have the same yield and quality as GMO varieties.These results, paired with the premium for growing non-GMO soybeans, can make integrating non-GMO beans an excellent opportunity for farmers.
CONSUMER DEMAND ON THE RISE
Products labeled “non-GMO” do not contain genetically altered materials that change the chemical makeup of food, meaning they are non-GMO Project verified. The rise of consumer demand surrounding specialty soybeans gives an opportunity to diversify revenue sources for farmers. These advantages have traditionally opened a market for non-GMO beans for use to make soy-food products such as tofu, miso, and soymilk.
THE TIME IS NOW
There is an increasing global demand for non-GMO soybeans. By learning to integrate non-GMO beans now, growers can experiment and perfect the process on their own fields. As a result, they can produce crops to sell in this growing market.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF COVER CROPS
Cover crops are plants grown during the off-season, utilized for their environmental impacts rather than being harvested for profit.
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Cover crops help protect and build the health of soil in crop fields and reduce negative impacts of agriculture on the environment.
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Their roots help keep soil in place, preventing erosion, and can even absorb excess nutrients using a method known as “nutrient scavenging”.
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Reduced Tillage & No-Till practices have a similar method of action. Crop residues sequester nutrients while also limiting the exposure of bare soil.
COVER CROPS: A SOLUTION FOR MANY CHALLENGES
Using cover crops is an excellent way to help overcome some of the potential challenges associated with soybean production.
CHALLENGE | AGRONOMIC TOOL |
|---|---|
Increase plant diversity through cover crop species selection | Low diversity in soil microbiome |
High biomass cover crop management | Weed Control |
No-till plus cover crop improves soil water holding capacity, water infiltration, and minimizes soil temperature fluctuations | Intensified weather events |
CONSIDERING ORGANIC?
Within an organic system, cover crops can be used as a tool where biomass accumulation leads to increased soil biology, temperature regulation, and moisture control. Additionally, crimping cover crop biomass to create a thick mat covering the soil is another weed control mechanism for organic growers to add to their arsenal.
TIPS AND TRICKS FROM NON-GMO GROWERS
Using cover crops is an excellent way to help overcome some of the potential challenges associated with soybean production.
Be in the mindset to “Pivot” and work with an agronomic advisor to make decisions
Increase seed rate for weed control
Start with strips or area of field
Explore multispecies mix for added benefits like insect control and nutrient cycling
Discuss herbicides with your agronomic advisor
"A Farmer's Recipe"
One farmer’s take on utilizing cover crops in non-GMO soybeans.
Step 1 In the fall, measure out 50lbs/ac cereal rye. Sprinkle in radishes or turnips to personal taste.
Step 2 Reach optimal nutrition with a fertilizer mix using pellet lime & potash; spread evenly over stalks.
Step 3 Let sit until spring - do not till. Allow time for the cereal rye biomass to rise.
Step 4 Evaluate spring conditions to determine if planting green is suitable.
Step 5 Burn the cereal rye down with Glyphosate.
Step 6 Follow-up with a pre-plant residual for total weed control; look for recommendations through University of Illinois Extension, or your local agronomist, for assistance with herbicide packages.
Looking to get started or have a question?
We’re happy to help.
For more information contact: