Cover crops are catching on in the Delaware Watershed as a way to control soil erosion and improve soil health on crop fields. For producers with livestock, cover crops can also provide high quality forage for livestock which allows longer rest periods for pastures while extending the grazing season.

Financial assistance and a variety of learning opportunities are available to support livestock producers who want to explore cover crops.

On August 5, Stigge and Sons Farm in Washington, KS will host a day of peer-to-peer learning for anyone interested in enhancing their livestock operation with cover crops. Visit http://holisticmanagement.org/open-gate-stigge/ for information and registration.

On August 22, the Kansas Farmers Union and the Kansas Graziers Association will host a Cover Crop bus tour in Salina, KS. Several additional educational opportunities will be offered throughout the year as part of their Amazing Grazing III: Soil Health for Ranch Success series. Visit http://www.kansasfarmersunion.com/amazing-grazing/ for information and registration.

The Delaware Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) program is currently accepting applications for their cover crop cost share program. Producers in high priority areas of the watershed are eligible for 75% cost share to cover the cost of cover crop seed and application up to $45/acre and $4500.00 per project. Contact Melissa Arthur, Delaware River WRAPS Coordinator at 785-284-3422 or delawarewatershed@gmail.com to get more information, find out if land is in a watershed priority area, or to get an application. This information is also available at conservation district offices in Atchison, Brown, Jackson, Jefferson and Nemaha counties.