New Book Details Cover Crop Use on the Farm

Beltsville, MD: Across America, tens of thousands of farmers are planting cover crops, a time-tested method of revitalizing soil, curbing erosion, and managing pests. Bryan and Donna Davis love what cover crops have done for their corn/soybean rotation. The Grinnell, Iowa couple relies on rye and oats to feed their soil and manage pests on their 1,000-acre, mostly no-till farm. “We have cut our chemical costs cut dramatically, and have reduced fertility costs in some fields by half” says Bryan. “With energy costs these days, you can’t afford not to do this.”

Revised and updated in 2007, the 3rd edition includes a new chapter on brassicas and mustards, 16 farm profiles, and a comprehensive chapter on the use of cover crops in conservation tillage systems. Updates throughout are based on more than 100 new literature citations and consultations with cover crop researchers and practitioners around the country. Appendices include seed sources and a listing of cover crop experts.

“This is the best book I have ever read,” says Wolfgang Rougle, of Twining Tree Farm in Cottonwood California. “It uses science to explain complex concepts, lays out options for different systems and climates, and allows innovative farmers to digest the information and make their own intelligent decisions. Thank you for the practical advice, acknowledgement of complex tradeoffs, specifics, details and conclusions.”

Download Managing Cover Crops Profitably, 3^rd Edition at www.sare.org/publications/covercrops.htm. To order print copies ($19 plus $5.95 s/h) visit www.sare.org/WebStore, call 301/374-9696 or send check or money order to Sustainable Agriculture Publications, PO Box 753, Waldorf, Maryland 20604-0753. (Please specify title requested when ordering by mail.) Discounts are available on orders of 10 or more. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. Call 301/374-9696 for more information on bulk, rush or international shipments.

Managing Cover Crops Profitably, 3^rd Edition, was published by the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) for the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. SARE is funded by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), USDA, and works with producers, researchers and educators to promote farming systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities.  SAN operates under a cooperative agreement between CSREES, the University of Vermont and the University of Maryland to develop and disseminate information about sustainable agriculture. For more information about SARE grant opportunities and other SAN resources, visit www.sare.org.

In Favor of Scouting

Boy Scouts of America has played an integral role for many males in the United States (this can also be said, of course, for the Girl Scouts of America and females).    In an article by Dave Banks, he asks if the Boy Scouts are still relevant to our society.

These types of organizations, that may seem out of date and (unfortunately) out of place in a high-speed, high-tech world, are arguably very relevant and important to our next generation.  The skills that are taught, the emphasis on community awareness and involvement, the incorporation of time spent between fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, are an integral part of our society, our history, or culture, and our country.

READ “After 100 Years, are the Boy Scouts Still Relevant” HERE.

Support Our Troops!

There is nothing more important that supporting the men and women that give their lives for our freedoms.

The Good American Post thanks our soldiers from the bottom of our hearts.

Here are some other great links – get involved!

Operation Gratitude
Mom 4 R Marines
The United Service Organizations (USO)

And if you have people that you know that are serving, and you would like to share their story with us, please email us at: goodamericanpost@gmail.com and put “Soldier Story” in the subject line.