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KANSAS WEATHER

Grazing cover crops boosts soil health and income

Grazing cover crops boosts soil health and income


By Scout Nelson

Ben Cramer, a Kansas farmer, uses livestock grazing to improve soil health and increase income. By grazing cover crops with cattle, he has seen soil organic matter levels nearly double in a decade. The grazing income also pays for the cover crops.

Cramer uses various grazing strategies, including custom grazing and rotational grazing. He has also fenced and cross-fenced all his cropland and rangeland to make grazing more efficient.

One benefit of grazing covers crops is that it helps to increase soil organic matter, which is important for soil health.

Cramer has also found that grazing cover crops can improve his farm's profitability. The grazing fees from custom grazing help to offset the cost of growing the cover crops, and in some cases, can even generate a profit.

Overall, Cramer has found that livestock grazing is a valuable tool for improving soil health and increasing income. He encourages other farmers to consider using livestock grazing as a way to improve their operations.

 

Photo Credit: minnesota-corn-growers-association

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Categories: Kansas, Crops

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