Many of the same factors that impact a crop’s growth also impact microbial activity. Soil type is one example that can influence microbial activity. Things like the pH levels, moisture levels and oxygenation of your soil are direct influences for crop growth and microbial activity.

Having worked in the conservation ag sector for 25+ years, director of Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), Ryan Heiniger, says that he has seen a lot of different types of cover crop/regenerative ag incentive and cost-share programs fail and succeed. But he feels that the current momentum around incentivizing conservation ag is bigger than it has ever been.

Nobody understands the importance of sustainability like family farmers—and if we’re allowed to make basic, strategic farming decisions without interference, we can guarantee that agriculture will remain sustainable into the far future.

Cargill and John Deere are announcing a collaborative effort to streamline the digital and in-field experience for farmers using John Deere technology and electing to participate in the Cargill RegenConnect program.

Momentum continues growing in southwestern Wisconsin for the nationally recognized Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance. The farmer-led watershed conservation group highlighted its progress during its annual business meeting on March 1.

The sustainability train is still running. We need to figure out how to get on board — or at least stay off the tracks.