By Andi Anderson
Indiana has become a national leader in cover crop adoption, with Hoosier farmers planting around 1.6 million acres of overwintering cover crops and small grains like wheat this spring.
According to a conservation survey by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, this makes Indiana one of the top states in the U.S. for cover crop use.
Posey County led the state with approximately 87,000 acres planted, followed by Gibson County with 70,000 acres and LaPorte County with 60,000 acres. Overall, the survey recorded 651,000 acres of corn and 916,000 acres of soybeans planted using cover crops.
“Hoosier farmers are committed to preserving one of God’s most precious gifts – Earth,” said Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith. “Overwintering covers are just one tool that farmers use to preserve and enhance our farmland.”
Farmers typically plant cover crops after the fall harvest. These crops help build soil organic matter, prevent erosion, and improve overall soil health. Some cover crops, such as legumes, even act as natural fertilizers. In fact, cover crops now cover more land in Indiana than any crop except corn and soybeans.
According to the survey, cover crops helped stop about 1.8 million tons of sediment from entering Indiana’s waterways — equal to filling roughly 18,000 freight train cars. Sediment is considered the top water pollutant in the state, mainly due to construction and land movement.
The survey also found that 70% of Indiana’s row crop acres were left untilled, and 18% used reduced tillage after the 2024 harvest, further helping conservation efforts.
Despite this progress, federal funding freezes have impacted organizations like the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, affecting local support and operations, such as in Allen County.
These conservation strides highlight Indiana farmers' dedication to protecting natural resources for future generations.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Indiana, Sustainable Agriculture