Farmers for Soil Health Hosts Training on Cover Crops

By Blake Jackson

The Soil Health Institute (SHI) and the University of Missouri’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture (CRA) hosted the Farmers for Soil Health (FSH) State Partner Education Meeting on October 22-23 in Kansas City, Missouri.

The event brought together state technical assistance providers and program coordinators for two days of classroom sessions, open discussions, and hands-on farm visits. The goal was to strengthen advisors’ understanding of cover crop systems and expand collaboration across state lines.

Farmers for Soil Health is an initiative that helps producers adopt cover crops by offering financial support, technical guidance, and educational tools.

The first day focused on one of the most common questions producers ask: whether cover crops deliver a return on investment. Speakers explained that economic outcomes differ widely. Some growers experience savings right away, such as reduced input costs, while others see stronger results after several seasons of integrating cover crops into their systems.

A central message of the presentations was that cover crop success is highly dependent on context. As one speaker noted, there is no universal recommendation that works for every farm. Factors such as soil type, weather, crop rotations, and management goals all influence which practices perform best.

Breakout groups allowed advisors to exchange insights on choosing cover crop species, determining seeding rates, and adjusting strategies for regional conditions. These conversations underscored the value of pairing research with local knowledge and producer experience.

On the second day, participants visited Missouri farms to observe cover crop practices firsthand. Stops included a century-old corn-soybean operation that incorporates cereal rye and a diversified farm combining silviculture with cover crop grazing.

A seed supplier also shared information on cover crop varieties. Afternoon sessions with DTN, NFWF, and B3 Creative Agency covered tools to strengthen FSH enrollment and outreach.

Many attendees said the most meaningful part of the gathering was networking. Throughout social events, breakout sessions, and farm tours, advisors exchanged ideas and formed connections that will support their work well beyond the meeting.

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