Share Your Insight in SARE/CTIC/ASTA Cover Crop Survey

SHARE YOUR INSIGHT IN SARE/CTIC/ASTA COVER CROP SURVEY

 

Farmer insights are now being sought for the sixth nationwide cover crop survey by USDA's SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) program, the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA).

The online questionnaire is now open at https://bit.ly/CCSurvey2020.

The survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Participants who complete the survey can enter a drawing for Visa gift cards worth up to $200.

"Since 2012, the SARE/CTIC/ASTA Cover Crop Survey has provided very important perspective into why and how farmers use cover crops—or why some don't—and has helped guide resources in research, communications and policy around cover crops," said Mike Smith, project director for CTIC. "The Cover Crop Survey has been a key tool for farmer organizations, conservation and extension service personnel, seed companies and other agribusinesses, and it has even been cited in testimony to Congress. This is a great opportunity to hear farmers' voices on cover crops."

Smith noted that the survey seeks answers not just from long-time cover crop fans, but also from new users and farmers who have not planted cover crops at all.

“Past surveys have provided significant insights on progress being made with cover crops and barriers still to address,” said Rob Myers of the North Central Region SARE Program.

The seed industry is especially interested in cover cropping trends, noted Jane DeMarchi, ASTA's vice president of government and regulatory affairs.

"Use of cover crops is evolving quickly and ASTA members who supply cover crop seed are looking forward to gaining insights on how they can better serve their customers in the future," DeMarchi said.

The survey will be open until April 12 at https://bit.ly/CCSurvey2020. Previous Cover Crop Survey reports are available online at https://www.ctic.org/data/Cover_Crops_Research_and_Demonstration_Cover_Crop_Survey.