The Conservation Technology Information Center is creating a farmer-led Cover Crop Coaches program.
The new program aims to support farmers across Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota with the resources to adopt cover crops. The Cover Crop Coaches program will connect farmers new to cover crops with farmer mentors in their states. This announcement builds upon the recent expansion by CTIC of three full-time soil health specialists in these same states. These specialists help deliver the Farmers for Soil Health program which offers financial resources for cover crops.
These coaches will work directly with farmers, helping them navigate the complexities of cover crop selection, planting, and management.
Apply To Be A Cover Crop Coach
CTIC is now recruiting nine seasoned cover crop farmers (three per state) that will work seasonally in 2024. This is a paid consulting position.
The farmers selected for Cover Crop Coaches should have the following qualifications:
- Proven experience incorporating cover crops into their corn and soybean operations. Experience incorporating livestock valuable but not required.
- Be an energetic and passionate conservation-minded farmer interested in listening and mentoring to accelerate cover crop adoption in their state.
- Willing to travel within a region of your state (with reimbursement) to meet participating farmers to support their adoption of cover crops and offer personalized 1:1 coaching.
- Is willing to host a field day (summer 2024) at your farm to convene farmers to showcase your use of cover crops and related soil health improvements.
The first round of applications are due no later than Dec. 31. Farmers can apply by sending a brief letter via email to [email protected] describing your farm operation and location, your interest in conservation ag including any regenerative ag practices you have utilized, involvement in any conservation or agriculture organizations, and other supporting information that helps describe your interest in supporting other farmers to accelerate conservation ag.
Learn more: www.ctic.org