Missouri

Missouri’s climate, topography and cropping mix historically has made its crop ground susceptible to excessive amounts of soil erosion.  Additionally, much of Missouri’s soils have limited top soil depth, resulting in many areas experiencing over 50% topsoil loss.  University of Missouri Extension efforts are focusing on cover crops to:

  • Provide erosion control on rolling fields following soybeans.
  • Provide grazing opportunities for the number two cow herd in the U.S.
  • Improve degraded soil organic matter in many of the state’s soils.
  • Determine best management practices of cover crops prior to corn.
  • Attempt to improve infiltration in poorly drained clay pan soils.

These efforts are being conducted through collaborative efforts of the University of Missouri, NRCS the local SWCD’s and state cover crop cost share programs.

Missouri Cover Crop Recipe – Post Corn, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye
Missouri Cover Crop Recipe – Post Soybean, Going to Corn: Use Oats/Radish or Oats/Crimson Clover
Please scroll down to read extension publications from Missouri.

 

Various agencies provide cover crop services at a local level. These resources can help with technical support and answer questions from a local perspective at no cost.
Missouri Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Find your local NRCS Field Service Center

University of Missouri Extension

Find your Local University of Missouri Extension Office

Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Program

Find your County Soil and Water Conservation District

Feel free to contact your MCCC state representative for local questions and recommendations. Your MCCC state representative's contact information can be found on the State Contacts tab.

MCCC State Contact
Charles Ellis
Extension Professional & Regional Agricultural Engineering Specialist
University of Missouri Extension
Lincoln County Extension Center
880 West College
Troy, MO 63379
Phone: 636-528-4613
Email: ellisce@missouri.edu

Other Contacts
Bethany Wohrley
Cover Crop Education Specialist
Centre for Regenerative Agriculture
University of Missouri
wohrleyb@missouri.edu

Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station

Elsberry Plant Materials Center

Soil Health Assessment Center

University of Missouri Weed Science 

Integrated Pest Management - University of Missouri

Evaluation of Cool Season Cover Crops in the North Central Region - NRCS

Center for Regenerative Agriculture - University of Missouri

MCCC State Reports for Annual Meetings

2020 Missouri State Report – MCCC Annual Meeting

2018 Missouri State Report - MCCC Annual Meeting

2017 Missouri State Report - MCCC Annual Meeting

2016 Missouri State Report- MCCC Annual Meeting

2015 Missouri State Report- MCCC Annual Meeting

2014 Missouri State Report- MCCC Annual Meeting

2012 Missouri State Report- MCCC Annual Meeting

2011 Missouri State Report - MCCC Annual Meeting