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Input prices disrupt Illinois farmer’s cover crop expansion

A central Illinois farmer says input prices forced him to cut back on cover crop acres this winter.

Lee Curby of Auburn in Sangamon County tells Brownfield last season they planted 100% of their corn and soybean acres to cover crops but, “Cereal rye seed prices have continually increased to the point where we have reduced not only the volume that we plant our cover but the acreage as well.”

He says erosion on their farm led them to regenerative practices, but he admittedly jumped in too quickly, so he shares advice for other farmers.

“The best way to start off is no-till obviously, and strip-till is a pretty easy transition for corn. If you are going to start adding covers, start simple with small acres and as you gain confidence you can increase those and experiment with different stuff.”       

Curby says while they have had to make some adjustments because of input prices, if commodity prices remain favorable, 2023 should be another successful year.

Brownfield interviewed Curby during the Illinois Conservation Cropping Seminar last week where he spoke on a farmer panel.

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