An easy-to-use online tool called My SeedMix from Millborn Seeds can help farmers create cover crop seed mixes. At myseedmix.com, users answer a short list of questions, such as their primary and secondary goals and when they would like to plant, to receive customized seed-mix options.

As more farmers move toward integrating cover crops into their forage management and crop rotations, the demand for highly diverse and customized seed mixes increases, says Matt Metzger, a forage specialist with Millborn.

“Some customers have extensive experience with cover crops and want to experiment a bit, putting together their own mixes. Others may not have much experience but want the flexibility to put together mixes on their own time, so we developed a tool to help make customizing mixes easier for all producers,” he says.

“This goal does not replace our team,” Metzger says. “We are still here to help producers, guiding them to the best mixes to achieve their goals. This app provides those who want more independence or enjoy working through it on their own, with an easy-to-use tool to put together customized seed mixes.”

Designed for all experience levels

Ease of use was a focus when developing the app. “I’m not tech-savvy, and I find this app very easy to use,” says Metzger. In addition to being user-friendly, landowners do not need extensive cover crop experience to try their hand at customizing their seed mix.

“You just need to know what your goals are, when you want to plant the cover crop and the equipment you’ll be using,” he explains. “The app will guide you through the rest.”

Customized cover crop seed mixtures are valuable, Metzger explains, because the farmer’s end goals and weather varies. For example, those in limited-moisture areas tend to favor a full-season mix they can plant in early spring to take advantage of soil moisture. While others, in areas with greater rainfall, can plant nearly anytime of the growing season.

“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all cover crop mix. Which is why it’s been Millborn’s philosophy to get to know our customers’ growing conditions and end goals before we provide mix suggestions.”

Source: Millborn Seeds, which is responsible for information provided and is owned by source. Informa Business Media and subsidiaries aren’t responsible for content.