A discussion in the Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN) email group started with a question about upgrading a drain grill for no-tilling fields of small grains and seeded forages, and from there, evolved into a larger conversation about other farm equipment preferences and advice.

A fall-planted cereal rye, wheat, or triticale cover crop can have both positive and negative impacts, for example by tying up nitrogen, reducing soil moisture prior to planting, increasing insect pressure, reducing weed pressure, reducing soil erosion and allelopathy. These tips from the University of Nebraska will share tradeoffs to help you better assess cover crop termination timing for your operation and risk level.