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Dubuque Batch and Build Drone Cover Crops
Drone-seeding is a new approach to increase cover crop adoption in regions with shortened cropping seasons and limited windows of opportunity for planting and establishment. Through a recent NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program award, Sand County Foundation and Dubuque County Watersheds are delivering a "batch and build" style cover crop incentive in Dubuque County, Iowa. Each farmer chooses one of four seed mixes, and Sand County Foundation purchases seed and hires drone operators to serve all farmers through a single contract. This approach streamlines coordination and increases cost-effectiveness while eliminating farmer hassle.
Active
Innovation
Objectives
Increase cover crop adoption in Dubuque County.
Encourage 30 growers to try cover crops for the first time.
Improve soil health and biodiversity from cover crops.
Encourage 60 growers to increase their cover crop impact by planting a diverse mixture.
Establish a long-term cover crop program in Dubuque County.
Develop a framework for the county to continue this program after funding ends.
Participants
Project Lead Organization
Sand County FoundationFull
Project Details
Status
Active
Pathway
Innovation
Primary Crops
Corn (grain)
Corn (silage)
Soybeans
Natural Resource Concern
Counties the project is located in: