Though harvest season in Guthrie County has just begun, some have already started to think about how to approach the next growing cycle. When choosing what to implement, one area field agronomist feels cover crops would be an excellent choice.

Guthrie County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Field Agronomist Mike Witt says the early harvest makes for an ideal opportunity to use cover crops.

“Cover crops are going in quite a bit right now. If there was a year that you wanted to experiment or wanted to try some cover crops, this might be a good year to do that. The main reason why I say that is because since harvest is progressing early in September, those fields you’re able to get in them. You’re able to get it in there early so that there should be plenty of time in the fall in order to get cover crops up and growing so that you’ll be able to utilize them (and) get the best benefit out of them.”

As for typical varieties, Witt says that depends on experience. He recommends oats for beginning farmers and radishes for those that are a little more experienced. To hear more about the harvest outlook and future commodity tips, listen to today’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program.