Cover Crop Ingredients

VNS Winter Rye Seed

Winter rye is an incredibly versatile winter cereal, making it an exceptional choice for cover cropping. Known for its effectiveness in soil stabilization, biomass production, weed suppression, and nutrient accumulation, winter rye is a highly productive cool-season grass. It offers a long planting window and can germinate at temperatures as low as 34 degrees Fahrenheit, making it highly adaptable to various growing conditions. Benefits Soil Stabilization: Excellent at stabilizing soil and preventing erosion. Biomass Production: Produces significant biomass, contributing to soil organic matter. Weed Suppression: Highly effective at suppressing weeds, maintaining clean fields. Nutrient Accumulation: Ties up nitrogen close to the soil’s surface, enhancing soil fertility and structure. Cold Tolerance: Germinates in soils as cold as 35°F, extending the planting season. Soil Adaptability: Handles low fertility and acidic soils, ensuring robust growth in challenging conditions. Characteristics Type: Cool season grass. C:N Ratio: 40-80:1, contributing to efficient nutrient cycling. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Seed at 80-120 lbs/acre when planted alone, and 20-90 lbs/acre when used in mixes. Seeding Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of 1/2-2 inches. Planting Range: Late summer to fall for optimal establishment. Winter rye from Elk Mound Seed is a highly effective cover crop that provides outstanding soil stabilization, weed suppression, and nutrient management. Its cold tolerance and adaptability make it a reliable choice for maintaining soil health and productivity throughout the winter months.

Winter Pea Food Plot Seed

Cool season legume Phenomenal soil builder Easy to grow and quick to germinate Can grow 3-5 feet in height Protein levels of 20-30 percent Seeding Depth: 1"-1 1/2" Longevity: Annual

Certified Antigo Oats

Antigo is an early maturity variety released from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2017. Antigo has excellent test weight and high yields. Antigo heads out one day later than Badger and two days earlier than Esker. Antigo is two inches taller than Badger and two inches shorter than Esker and Ron. Lodging is similar to Esker and Natty and less than Drumlin and Vista. It is modestly resistant to crown rust. Antigo has high dehulling efficiency, average groat percentage while is high in protein and oil. The U.S. Plant Protected Variety (PVPA 1994) for Antigo Oats is being applied for at the time of printing. Seed of Antigo can legally be produced and labeled for sale only by growers who have been licensed by the Wisconsin Crop Improvement or its legal agent. Incredible test weights Excellent milling quality Well above average yields

Buckwheat Seed

Buckwheat seed is a great crop for green manure, known for its quick maturation and tremendous weed suppression capabilities. This cool-season broadleaf plant matures very quickly, making it ideal for short-term cover crop mixes. Buckwheat is also excellent at scavenging phosphorus and is preferred by beekeepers due to its long flowering window, which produces a unique color and flavor of honey. In favorable conditions, you can expect 2-3 tons of dry matter per acre.Benefits Quick Maturing: Rapid growth makes buckwheat an excellent choice for green manure and weed suppression. Weed Suppression: Aggressiveness in early growth provides excellent weed suppression. Phosphorus Scavenging: Efficient at scavenging phosphorus from the soil. Pollinator Friendly: Preferred by beekeepers for its long flowering period, producing distinctive honey. Cold Sensitivity: A light frost will terminate buckwheat quickly, preventing it from becoming a weed if allowed to go to seed. Characteristics Type: Cool season broadleaf. C:N Ratio: 30:1, contributing to efficient nutrient cycling. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Seed at 35-50 lbs/acre when planted alone, and 5-25 lbs/acre when used in mixes. Seeding Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of 3/4 inch. Planting Range: Late spring, summer, to early fall for optimal establishment. Buckwheat from Elk Mound Seed is a highly effective green manure crop that offers quick growth, excellent weed suppression, and is beneficial for pollinators. Its ability to scavenge phosphorus and its preference among beekeepers make it a versatile and valuable addition to any cover crop mix.

Canola Food Plot Seed

Canola is a tremendous draw for whitetail deer, particularly after the first hard frost.  Being a member of the brassica family, the starches in canola turn to sugar following a hard frost.  This reaction makes the plants incredibly palatable and desirable for deer.  Best results, Canola should be seeded no later than 45 days prior to the first frost, but it should be seeded after the summer solstice to prevent bolting in hot, dry weather. A cool season, annual broadleaf Has narrow leaves, strong taproot and yellow flowers Good heat and drought tolerance Does not tolerate flooding well Seed at 8-10 lbs/acre alone or 2-5 lbs/acre in mixes at 1/4" deep

Buster (Daikon) Radish Seed

Daikon radishes are highly beneficial for soil health, providing multiple advantages such as alleviating soil compaction, improving water infiltration, increasing organic matter, and offering excellent weed suppression. These radishes, including the Badger brand, feature an aggressive taproot that drills through compaction where steel cannot, creating root channels for subsequent crops to access essential nutrients and water. Studies show that Buster® Radishes consistently increase soybean and corn yields by scavenging significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. Upon decomposition, these nutrients are left in the upper 10 inches of soil, improving soil fertility for future crops.Benefits Soil Compaction: The large taproot and deep-reaching secondary roots alleviate soil compaction, improving soil structure. Nutrient Scavenging: Scavenges and stores nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium in the root system, releasing them upon decomposition. Water Infiltration: Enhances water infiltration and aeration, reducing runoff and increasing soil moisture retention. Weed Suppression: Thick upper foliage provides excellent weed suppression by shading out weeds during the growing season and forming a thin film over the soil after the radish freezes out. Yield Improvement: Boosts subsequent crop yields, with studies showing yield improvements of 10% or more. Characteristics Type: Cool season broadleaf. C:N Ratio: 20:1, contributing to efficient nutrient cycling. Root System: Features a large taproot and deep-reaching secondary roots with thick upper foliage. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Seed at 8-10 lbs/acre when planted alone, and 3-6 lbs/acre when used in mixes. Seeding Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of 1/2 inch to 1 inch. Planting Range: June to August, at least 4-10 weeks before the first killing frost in your area. Daikon radishes from Elk Mound Seed are an excellent choice for improving soil health and boosting crop yields. Their aggressive taproots and nutrient-scavenging capabilities make them a valuable addition to any cover crop program, enhancing soil fertility, structure, and water management.

Purple Top Turnip Seed

Turnips are a cool-season annual brassica commonly used in cover crop cocktails. They germinate quickly and are excellent weed suppressors. Turnips are great nutrient accumulators and break down quickly in the spring, enriching the soil for subsequent crops. They are also an excellent forage for livestock producers who want to graze their cover crops. Their rapid growth makes them ideal for short growing windows, and they provide excellent grazing value late in the season.Benefits Rapid Growth: Turnips germinate quickly, making them suitable for short growing windows. Weed Suppression: Effective at suppressing weeds due to their rapid growth and ground coverage. Nutrient Accumulation: Accumulate nutrients and break down quickly in the spring, enriching the soil. Grazing Value: Provide excellent grazing value late in the season, ideal for livestock producers. Cool Season Adaptation: Perform well in cool-season conditions, extending the growing season. Characteristics Type: Cool season annual brassica. C:N Ratio: 25:1, contributing to efficient nutrient cycling. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Seed at 5-8 lbs/acre when planted alone, and 2-4 lbs/acre when used in mixes. Seeding Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of 1/4-1/2 inch. Planting Range: Late summer to early fall for optimal establishment. Turnips from Elk Mound Seed are an excellent choice for cover crops and grazing, offering rapid growth, effective weed suppression, and valuable nutrient accumulation. Their ability to break down quickly in the spring enriches the soil for future crops, making them a versatile and beneficial addition to any cover crop program.

Hairy Vetch Seed

Hairy vetch is an excellent legume for nitrogen production credits and spring plant residue, earning up to 100 lbs of nitrogen per acre. It is usually planted in late summer or early fall, often in combination with winter rye. Hairy vetch exhibits vigorous growth, tolerance of diverse soil conditions, and low fertility needs, making it an attractive cover crop for building nitrogen and biomass, as well as weed suppression and soil conditioning. Benefits Nitrogen Fixation: Earns up to 100 lbs/acre of nitrogen, improving soil fertility. Weed Suppression: Vigorous growth helps suppress weeds, maintaining clean fields. Soil Conditioning: Acts as an excellent soil conditioner, enhancing soil structure and health. Low Fertility Needs: Tolerant of diverse soil conditions and low fertility requirements, making it adaptable to various environments. Biomass Production: Produces significant biomass, contributing to soil organic matter. Characteristics Type: Cool season legume. C:N Ratio: 15:1, promoting efficient nutrient cycling. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Seed at 25-30 lbs/acre when planted alone, and 15-20 lbs/acre when used in mixes. Planting Range: Late summer to early fall for optimal establishment. Hairy vetch from Elk Mound Seed is an excellent legume for those looking to build nitrogen and biomass while suppressing weeds and conditioning the soil. Its adaptability, vigorous growth, and nitrogen-fixing capabilities make it a valuable addition to any cover crop program.

Annual Ryegrass Seed

Quick germination Use with mixes or seed alone Longevity: Annual

Sorghum Sudangrass Seed

Sweet Chow sorghum-sudangrass is a versatile and cost-effective option for forage production. This variety is known for its significant biomass output and ability to suppress annual weeds such as velvetleaf, crabgrass, and foxtail. Additionally, it thrives in warm-season conditions, making it an excellent choice for summer forage production. It has also demonstrated some nematode suppression capabilities.Benefits High Biomass Producer: Reaches 10-12 feet tall at full maturity, providing an excellent tonnage yield. Weed Suppression: Effectively suppresses annual weeds, contributing to healthier soil and crop conditions. Nematode Suppression: Shows some ability to suppress nematodes, benefiting subsequent crop health. Warm-Season Growth: Sweet Chow sorghum-sudangrass excels in warm temperatures, utilizing the summer heat to maximize growth and yield. High-Quality Forage: Produces an abundance of high-quality forage suitable for hay, grazing, or silage. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Sow seeds at 25-50 lbs/acre. Higher seeding rates will result in finer stems. Companion Crops: Buckwheat and cowpeas are excellent companion crops to enhance growth and soil health. Timing: Sow seeds directly into the soil after the last risk of frost for optimal growth and yield. Yield Tonnage: Yields range from 16-20 tons/acre, ensuring a substantial return on investment.Usage Forage Quality: For best quality, harvest at or before the boot stage. Suitable for hay, grazing, or silage, making it a versatile addition to any farm.Embrace the benefits of Sweet Chow sorghum-sudangrass for your forage needs, providing both high yields and excellent weed suppression capabilities. Its ability to thrive in warm-season conditions ensures robust growth and plentiful forage during the summer months.

Balansa Clover

Balansa is a cool-season legume which can grow in a large range of soils tolerating pH levels from 4.5-8.3. The species is quite tolerant of waterlogged soils and can even withstand short periods of flooding. White or pink in color. Easily digestible with protein levels in upper 20's. Features rapid germination and vast quantities of biomass Individual plants can exceed 10 feet in length; however, the plant structure is only able to support 3 feet of vertical growth Seeding Depth: 1/4"-1/2" deep in well prepared seedbed. Longevity: Annual. 50% Seed coating Tolerates wide range of soil types Massive taproot Can grow up to 3 ft tall with stems as long as 10 ft Capable of creating 100 lbs of nitrogen an acre Excellent forage for grazing or cutting Seeding Rate: Drilled 5-6 lbs/acre Broadcasted 8-10 lbs/acre (in mixes 3-5 lbs/acre)

Certified Lacey Barley Seed

Certified Lacey Barley has become the new standard for feeding barley in the upper Midwest. Known for its high-quality forage and respectable tonnage, Lacey Barley is highly valued both for its forage quality and its malting and brewing characteristics. It is also an excellent option for replacing corn in cattle diets.Benefits High Yielding: Consistently top-yielding since its release. High-Quality Forage: Produces very high-quality forage with excellent yield to quality ratios when harvested at the boot stage. Versatile Use: Can be used as forage or as a replacement for corn in cattle diets. Malting and Brewing: Favorable for malting and brewing due to high malt extract, low soluble protein, and high alpha-amylase activity. Good Lodging Resistance: Sturdy and resistant to lodging, ensuring reliable growth and yield. Characteristics Type: Six-row barley with medium-sized kernels. Planting Range: Early spring for optimal growth. Seeding Rate: Sow seeds at a rate of 80-100 lbs/acre. Planting Instructions Timing: Plant in early spring for the best results. Seeding Rate: Use 80-100 lbs/acre to ensure optimal growth and yield. Certified Lacey Barley is a versatile and reliable option for farmers looking to produce high-quality forage or malt. Its excellent malting characteristics and high yield make it a valuable crop for both forage and brewing industries. The added benefit of good lodging resistance ensures a stable and productive crop season.

Crimson Clover Seed

Crimson clover is an annual summer clover known for its rapid, robust growth and ability to fix approximately 50-60 lbs of nitrogen per acre by mid-November. It is a winter annual and will commonly overwinter except in the Upper Midwest. Being a legume, crimson clover provides good feed qualities, including high protein content and yield. It is very compatible in mixes with grasses, brassicas, and other legumes.Benefits Nitrogen Fixation: Provides approximately 50-60 lbs of nitrogen per acre by mid-November, enhancing soil fertility. High Biomass Production: Produces up to 1,500 lbs of dry matter, making it an excellent plow-down crop. Good Feed Quality: As a legume, it offers high protein content and good yield for forage. Compatibility: Very compatible in mixes, including grasses, brassicas, and other legumes. Winter Annual: Overwinters in many regions, extending its benefits into the following growing season. Characteristics Type: Annual summer clover. C:N Ratio: 20:1, contributing to efficient nutrient cycling. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Seed at 15-18 lbs/acre when planted alone, and 6-9 lbs/acre when used in mixes. Planting Range: Suitable for planting in spring and summer. Crimson clover from Elk Mound Seed is an excellent choice for enhancing soil fertility and providing high-quality forage. Its rapid growth, nitrogen-fixing capabilities, and compatibility with other crops make it a versatile and valuable addition to any cover crop or forage program.

BMR (Brown Mid-Rib) Sorghum Sudangrass

Winner’s Choice BMR (Brown Mid-Rib) sorghum-sudangrass is a premium forage option known for its exceptional digestibility and high biomass production. This brachytic BMR 6 variety produces forage with a great leaf-to-stem ratio and excellent tonnage. The BMR gene reduces lignin content in the entire plant, resulting in more digestible, body-building nutrients. This highly palatable forage significantly enhances livestock weight gain and can be grazed, chopped, or round baled.Benefits High Biomass Producer: Reaches 7 feet tall at full maturity, providing substantial forage yield. Improved Digestibility: The BMR gene reduces lignin content, enhancing fiber digestibility and making it highly suitable for livestock. Weed Suppression: Effectively suppresses annual weeds, contributing to healthier crop conditions. Warm-Season Growth: Excels in warm temperatures, maximizing growth and yield during the summer months. High-Quality Forage: Produces an abundance of high-quality forage suitable for hay, grazing, or silage. Livestock weight gain is significantly higher with this highly palatable forage. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Sow seeds at 25-50 lbs/acre. Higher seeding rates will result in finer stems. Recommended to plant at 25-35 lbs/acre if drilled or broadcasted. Companion Crops: Buckwheat and cowpeas are excellent companion crops to enhance growth and soil health. Timing: Sow seeds directly into the soil after the last risk of frost for optimal growth and yield. Yield Tonnage: Yields up to 16-20 tons/acre, ensuring a substantial return on investment. Standability: Excellent standability, ensuring the crop remains upright and accessible for harvesting. Usage Forage Quality: For best quality, harvest at or before the boot stage. Suitable for hay, grazing, or silage, making it a versatile addition to any farm.Embrace the benefits of Winner’s Choice BMR sorghum-sudangrass for your forage needs, offering both high yields and enhanced digestibility. Its ability to thrive in warm-season conditions ensures robust growth and plentiful forage during the summer months. This variety's improved digestibility makes it a superior choice for maximizing livestock weight gain and overall farm productivity.

Berseem Clover Seed

Berseem clover is recognized by many as the “King of Cover Crops” due to its unmatched biomass and nitrogen-fixing capabilities. This fast-growing summer annual can produce as much as 3 tons per acre of biomass and up to 200 pounds of nitrogen per acre. Berseem clover establishes well with an oat nurse crop and is known for its non-bloating properties, making it highly suitable for forage.Benefits High Biomass Production: Produces up to 3 tons per acre of biomass, significantly contributing to soil organic matter. Nitrogen Fixation: Can fix as much as 200 pounds of nitrogen per acre, enhancing soil fertility. Non-Bloating: A non-bloating clover, making it safe and beneficial for livestock grazing. Establishment: Establishes well with an oat nurse crop, ensuring robust growth. Cool Season Legume: Performs well in cool-season conditions, extending the growing season. Characteristics Type: Cool season legume. C:N Ratio: 18-23:1, promoting efficient nutrient cycling. Biomass to Nitrogen Yield: Unmatched among cover crops. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Seed at 8-12 lbs/acre when planted alone, and 4-6 lbs/acre when used in mixes. Planting Range: Late spring to early summer for optimal establishment. Berseem clover from Elk Mound Seed is a superior choice for cover crops, offering exceptional biomass production and nitrogen-fixing capabilities. Its fast growth, non-bloating nature, and compatibility with nurse crops make it a valuable addition to any cover crop program, enhancing soil health and providing high-quality forage for livestock

Phacelia (Phacelia Tanacetifolia)

Sunn Hemp Seed

Sunn hemp is an annual, warm-season legume that is an excellent biomass producer. Known for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities and extreme drought tolerance, sunn hemp thrives in heat and can be sown on a wide range of soil types. This tropical legume can produce more than 5,000 lbs of dry matter per acre and 120 lbs of nitrogen per acre. It is not winter hardy, and a hard freeze will easily kill it, so it should be sown a minimum of nine weeks before the average date of the first fall freeze.Benefits High Biomass Production: Can produce over 5,000 lbs of dry matter per acre. Nitrogen Fixation: Capable of fixing up to 120 lbs of nitrogen per acre, enriching the soil. Drought Tolerance: Extremely drought-tolerant, making it suitable for various climates. Heat Resilience: Thrives in hot conditions, ensuring robust growth during the summer. Versatile Planting: Can fill a niche between the harvest of a summer crop and the planting of a fall cash or cover crop. Characteristics Type: Annual, warm-season legume. Planting Range: Early summer. Seeding Rate: Seed at 15-20 lbs/acre when planted alone, and 4-8 lbs/acre when used in mixes. Seeding Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of 3/4 inch to 1 inch. Soil Temperature: Should be planted when soil temperatures are greater than 65°F. Longevity: Not winter hardy and killed by a hard freeze. Planting Instructions Seeding Rate: Seed at 40-50 lbs/acre with a cowpea type inoculant. Planting Time: Sow at least nine weeks before the average date of the first fall freeze. Sunn hemp from Elk Mound Seed is an excellent choice for those looking to improve soil health through high biomass production and nitrogen fixation. Its adaptability to heat and drought conditions makes it a reliable and productive option for summer planting, enhancing soil fertility and structure for subsequent crops.

Winter Triticale - Gainer 154

Gainer 154 is a high-yielding early variety. Gainer 154 is an all around strong triticale variety that excels in both forage and cover crop applications. Fertility: Nitrogen & Sulfur– The plant will use 50lbs of Nitrogen and 10 units of sulfur per ton of dry matter to make 16% protein. For example, high yielding (4 tons of dry matter per acre.) triticale will uptake 200 units of Nitrogen and 40 units of Sulfur. Apply up to 50 units of Nitrogen at planting, followed by 100 plus units of Nitrogen at green up. Manure and legume credits can be applied but spring release of Nitrogen and Sulfur is every limited during cool weather. Follow soil test guidelines for other nutrients. Harvest Management: Wide-swath for best drying and ensile at 65%-70% moisture. The “haylage in a day” model is recommended for best fermentation and sugar preservation. For best results, cut prior to boot stage. Triticale’s window of harvest is wider than most other small grains, so it maintains quality longer. Always test for nitrates before feeding.

Yellow Blossom Clover Seed

A biennal that is very easy to establish. An extremely popuplar clover for bee keepers. Yellow Blossom Sweet Clover can be grown in a wide variety of soils that range from droughty to semi-saturated. Yellow Blossom Sweet Clover has a very deep root system that will bring insoluble nutrients such as potassium and phosphorous to the soil surface. Prefers soils with a pH of 6.5 or higher for proper rhizobia nodulation Can build as much as 100 pounds per acre of Nitrogen Can grow as tall as 4-6 feet tall in its second year Typically germinates within 7-14 days Seeding Depth: 1/4"-1/2" Longevity: Perennial