Shane Gray sits down with David Kleinschmidt, farmer and agronomist at Progressive Consulting Services, to break down the real story behind cover crops.
This conversation goes far beyond erosion control. David unpacks the economics and biology driving sustainable systems—from turning cover crops into a revenue opportunity through programs like 45Z and EQIP, to understanding Carbon-to-Nitrogen (C:N) ratios and why soybeans may actually thrive in a carbon-rich environment.
They tackle the big questions growers are asking:
1) How do you avoid yield drag?
2) What’s the right way to terminate?
3) Can drone seeding outperform traditional vertical tillage?
4) And how do you manage herbicide residuals without sabotaging success?
Whether you’re skeptical, experimenting, or fully invested in soil health, this episode delivers practical insights on building resilience, improving profitability, and making cover crops work on your farm—not against it.
Episode Highlights:
0:00 – Meet David & setting the stage
0:45 – Cover crops: more than erosion control
2:10 – Ecosystem balance: from slugs to quail
4:10 – The money: 45Z, EQIP & incentives
5:30 – Saving passes, saving dollars
7:15 – Managing the learning curve
8:50 – The termination timing trap
9:45 – Debunking yield drag
11:15 – Carbon cycling & plant sugars
13:30 – C:N ratios & soil health testing
16:15 – Seeding innovation: drones vs. vertical till
18:45 – Avoiding herbicide carryover mistakes
20:00 – Not To Be Corny: deep-rooted challenges
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