Cover Your Bases and Your Soil

If your fields could talk, they’d probably ask for a little cover. This July, Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)  is helping local farmers do just that with an evening that’s equal parts practical, informative, and down-to-earth.

Ashland SWCD’s Conservation Chat: Cover Your Bases will take place July 1 at 6 p.m. at Twin Oaks Farm, 915 State Route 95, Perrysville, Ohio. The evening will feature a hands-on look at how cover crops can boost soil health, protect water quality, and set your operation up for long-term success.

“From seasoned cover cropper to those who are just cover crop-curious, this chat is designed to meet farmers where they are—boots, questions, and all,” said Jane Houin, Ashalnd SWCD director.  “You can expect real-world insights, useful tools, and a few “why didn’t I try that sooner?” moments. And. There will be opportunities to up your cover crop game this year.

When is comes to cover crops, timing is everything. Stephanie Karhoff with Ohio State University Extension will dig into how seeding dates can make or break your cereal cover crop success. And here’s a spoiler: a few days can make a big difference.

This year will be Ashland SWCD’s eighth year encouraging producers to try the high-flying potential of cover crops through aerial seeding. Cody Beacom from Bird Agronomics will break down the pros and cons of aerial seeding—whether by drone or plane—so farmers can decide if it fits their operation or if it’s better left up in the air.

And let’s face it: money talks when it comes to investing in conservation practices like cover crops. Sorting through programs doesn’t have to feel like reading the fine print on a seed tag. Ashland SWCD Conservation Planning Specialist Liz Golias will compare the ins and outs of the H2Ohio and Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) cover-crop cost-share programs so farmers can make the most of available funding.

Attendees will also learn more about Ashland SWCD’s tools of the trade when it comes to cover crop rental equipment and see what might work best for your farm—no guessing required. From a cover crop crimper/roller to a cover crop interseeder and our traditional 10 and 12-feet no-till drills, Ashland SWCD’s renal equipment program is designed to remove the barrier of purchasing new equipment for farmers wanting to try conservation projects like cover crops or no-till management.

Have fields in mind that you’d like to cover crop this year? Bring your Farm Service Agency (FSA) field maps and be ready to roll. Staff will be on hand to help you submit your MWCD cover crop cost share application on-site, turning ideas into action before you head home.

“Cover crops aren’t just a trend—they’re a proven way to keep soil where it belongs, improve water quality in our local streams and rivers, and build resilience into your farm for years to come,” said Houin. “Plus, it’s a great excuse to step away from the tractor seat for an evening and connect with neighbors who are tackling the same challenges.”

RSVPs are required, and dinner is included. Tickets are just $5 each, or free for both of you when you bring a friend. Register at coveryourbases.eventbrite.com or by calling Golias at 419-281-7645. Then show up, bring your questions, and maybe a neighbor or two. For more information, contact Ashland SWCD at (419) 281-7645 or visit their office.