Long advocated for by sustainable farming pioneers like George Washington Carver, cover crops have been promoted as a key way to transition to farming that’s better for the soil. It’s also one of the easiest ways for a large-scale farm to start, all considered, because it doesn’t restrict farmers based on the kinds of organic or chemical fertilizers they use. In other words, cover crops are a solid first step.

That’s why it was disappointing to hear that, according to a Perdue University survey released Tuesday, less large corn and soybean farmers are reporting to use the practice. Some 52% of respondents said they planted cover crops on at least some of their acreage—which suggests that the gains made in 2022 may have been wiped out.

Why the bulk of the farmers stopped cover cropping remains a mystery: More than half responded “other” to the question of the primary reason their cover cropping ended. The main options: not profitable (which 17% agreed with), hurt crop yields (12%), insufficient benefits (10%), lack of resources or expertise (9%). Who’s going to figure out how to avoid leaving farmers behind, especially ones who are already trying to farm better? Who’s going to cut through declining farmer sentiment and drive support for sustainable agriculture?

— Chloe Sorvino, Staff Writer

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