By Blake Jackson
The Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, in partnership with UW-Extension, is continuing its cover crop biomass testing program for the 2025-26 season.
Farmers who participate receive a $100 stipend along with detailed cover crop biomass test results from both fall and spring samples. All necessary supplies including sampling equipment, bags, and postage are provided, making participation simple and accessible.
For growers using cover crops, the program offers an opportunity to better understand how much nutrient these crops capture throughout their growing cycle.
Registration for the 2025-26 season is now open. Previous participants can log in with their existing accounts to re-register, and password reset options are available if needed.
Over the years, data from this program has been used to develop a new cover crop scenario tool, designed to help farmers evaluate outcomes across different conditions.
The tool allows users to select factors such as desired cover crop goals, soil texture, and county location, then view results, including return-on-investment data in some cases.
While improvements to user experience are still in progress, the tool already highlights how cover crops perform in a wide variety of systems statewide. Farmers are encouraged to explore the tool and provide feedback to strengthen its value.
Participation is open to farms of all sizes and experience levels. Farmers will be asked to complete a survey this fall for one field or set of fields where they use cover crops. A collection kit will then be mailed, enabling participants to submit samples in both fall and spring.
Testing includes biomass, forage quality, and nutrient analysis, and sampling typically takes less than 15 minutes.
In addition to the $100 stipend for survey completion and sample submission, participants who only fill out the survey without submitting samples will still receive $25.
All lab testing is provided free of charge through AgSource and Dairyland. Farmers also gain access to interactive reports online and in print that allow them to compare results with peers across the state.
All participation is voluntary, data is kept private, and farmers may withdraw from the program at any time.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Education