Study examines ag retailer challenges with cover crops

A study conducted by Datu Research, LLC., finds that 89% of agricultural retailers have offered cover crop products and services in the past two years, and 94% say they want to expand these offerings in the future.  Farmers plant cover crops to keep the soil anchored between growing seasons, reaping benefits in soil erosion, fertility, water retention, weed and pest control, and biodiversity. While the practice is growing in popularity, cover crop acreage in the United States remains low. These products and services account for less than 5% of total revenue, the study found. Many respondents described mutually reinforcing challenges:a lack of customer demand,insufficient evidence of cover crop benefits in their region, and “uncertain or negative profitability.”