Don’t put price before quality. Higher-quality cover crop seed has many advantages, such as higher germination rates. If you want to go the cheaper route, make sure you get a report showing purity, germination and weed seed content. Variety-not-stated seed can mature at different rates, causing uncertainty with termination timing and effectiveness. A variety-specific seed will mature more uniformly, making it easier to plan termination. Some varieties even have a smaller seed size than their VNS counterpart, meaning you might be able to buy less.

Don’t spread residue poorly. Uneven residue on the soil surface causes issues with cover crop emergence and establishment. Where residue is thick, cover crop seed will not have enough light to germinate. If the cover crop is drilled, excess residue will cause issues with seed placement and depth. During harvest, your combine should spread residue evenly.

Don’t forgo starter fertilizer. Nitrogen from the cover crop will not be available to corn until later. Since corn needs early nitrogen for a strong start, use starter with nitrogen to ensure it is getting nutrients it needs if you planted following a mature grass-based cover crop.  

Don’t plant wheat into mature crimped cereal rye. Mature cereal rye can cause contamination in wheat if the seed germinates, becoming a weed in your crop. This is especially true when rye is not crimped within the short window before it forms viable seed. There is no easy way to remove rye from wheat. If you are going to add wheat into your rotation, consider avoiding cereal rye altogether or terminating earlier.

Don’t spray annual ryegrass when it is cold. Annual ryegrass needs to be actively growing for herbicides to work. The minimum temperature should be at least 45 degrees F for three or more days post-application, and the day that you spray should be sunny. Stop spraying by midafternoon to give herbicide time to translocate before it gets dark. If you haven’t mowed your lawn twice yet, you shouldn’t be spraying annual ryegrass.

Don’t try new ideas on the whole farm. Take a small percentage of your acres to try new ideas. Adjust the plan before you expand to a greater acreage. Also, consider leaving a check strip while trying new ideas. It’ll be easier to see the effects of management changes and if there is a return on your investment.

Don’t forget to adapt. Adaptability is the key to success. Rain, drought and equipment breakdowns, among other things, can throw a wrench into your preferred plan. Don’t get frustrated when Plan A doesn’t work. Adapt to the situation, and make the best of what you’ve got.

Don’t see a mistake as a reason to quit. Each unsuccessful situation is a learning experience. Now you know what not to do. Take what worked and what didn’t to form a new plan of action. No one has ever given up on corn or soybeans because of one bad experience. Don’t give up on soil health systems after one unsuccessful year or event.