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In October, National Non-GMO Month is observed. During the past few years, the “non-GMO” claim has gained more momentum. Consumers increasingly view non-GMO products as those associated with health and wellness as they offer perceived simplicity and minimized processing, based on Nielsen research results recently shared by FoodNavigator-USA. Throughout the food products value chain, many stakeholders have responded by taking …

In conditions when crops thrive and yields break records, field residues tend to make their own mark. Considering the performance of this year’s crops, residues will be one factor to watch this fall. Corn and wheat are two crops known for producing significant residues, and the surface residue has its benefits. For example, the Illinois Soybean Association has reported that …

Cover crops are commonly viewed as tools to enhance the soil. Without a doubt, healthy soil can offer a production advantage. However, evaluating cover crops based solely on their soil health improvement potential alone may overlook the comprehensive value that they can present to an operation. For example, a 2016 nationwide cover crop survey found that cash crop yields can …

As harvest time nears, many growers find themselves considering whether to plant a cover crop. During past weeks, we at BigYield.us have received several questions about cover crops. The interest in cover crops that we’ve noticed matches the attitudes captured in a recent nationwide survey. In July 2016, the Conservation Technology Information Center, North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education …