The 2022–2023 National Cover Crop Survey collected responses from 795 farmers in 49 states. Conducted by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program (SARE), the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), it examined why farmers use cover crops, what discourages non-users, and how growers manage seed, incentives, livestock, no-till systems, and cash-crop transitions.
Important context: this was a voluntary survey distributed through agricultural and conservation networks. Cover-crop users were more heavily represented than they are in the national farming population. The findings describe the participating farmers and should not be treated as guaranteed results for every farm or garden.
Key findings from participating cover-crop users
- The cover-crop users surveyed planted an average of 413.6 acres in 2022.
- Improving soil health was identified as a goal by 95% of participating users.
- Forty-nine percent of participating users reported receiving some form of cover-crop payment in 2022.
- Among respondents receiving incentives, 90.3% said they probably or definitely intended to continue using cover crops after the payments ended.
- One-quarter of respondents integrated livestock into their cover-crop programs. Results from grazing depended on the farm system and management.
- Only 7% of participating users reported regular difficulty obtaining cover-crop seed.
Yield findings need careful interpretation
Experienced survey participants reported average corn and soybean yield differences following cover crops, but the results varied by years of experience. Farmers with ten or more years of cover-crop experience reported gains of approximately 6.3% for both crops. Respondents with two years or less experience reported a smaller soybean gain, while their average corn yields were not statistically different between covered and uncovered fields.
These are self-reported survey results, not a promise that cover crops will increase yield. Species selection, weather, soil, termination, water use, residue, equipment, and the following crop can all affect performance.
Incentives can help growers begin
The survey suggests that payments can reduce the financial barrier to trying cover crops, but incentives were not the only reason experienced users continued. Non-users also identified economic uncertainty, management demands, and the need for practical information as obstacles.
Programs, payment levels, contracts, and eligibility change over time and by location. Growers interested in financial assistance should consult current USDA, conservation-district, state, or local program information rather than relying on this historical survey.
What the survey means for choosing seed
The report reinforces that cover crops are selected for multiple purposes, including soil cover, organic matter, nutrient management, weed competition, grazing, and integration with no-till systems. No single crop or mixture provides every benefit under every condition.
Before buying seed, identify:
- The primary soil or rotation objective
- The planting and termination windows
- Available water and expected temperatures
- The following crop and required seedbed condition
- Whether livestock, grazing, or forage use is intended
- Equipment and labor available for establishment and termination
Continue with practical guidance
Read How to Grow Cover Crops for planting and management fundamentals. Use Turning Cover Crops into Green Manure to plan termination and residue handling.
This summary is based on the organizations’ National Cover Crop Survey resources. Review the full report for methodology, question wording, charts, and limitations.
Browse all cover crop seeds after defining the season, goal, and management plan for the site.