CRA in the News

Missouri Corn: voluntary conservation practices helping water quality and farm profitability

Stakeholders in Missouri Corn met recently to discuss water quality and Missouri's Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. The Missouri CRCL Project was credited as way farmers can have more resilient crops and livestock and improve water quality. Practices like cover crops and nutrient management can reduce erosion and nutrient loss.

Could Virtual Fencing Make Intensive Grazing More Profitable?

Our team’s work with virtual fence was recently highlighted on the “U.S. Farm Report,” hosted by University of Missouri grad Tyne Morgan. CRA Director Rob Myers, MU Division of Animal Sciences Associate Professor Derek Brake, and graduate student Emma Bauer were featured. The six-minute segment explores how virtual fencing can help expand opportunities for cattle producers, both with cover crop grazing and improved efficiency of pasture grazing.

Cover Crops on the Rise in the US, Domestic Horse NWS Positive

Dr. Robert Myers discusses findings from the latest cover crop survey. This report included growing trends such as the increased use of drones in cover cropping strategies, primarily for precise timing and improved accuracy on smaller fields.

Cover Crops: Improving Soil Health, Stewardship and Profitability on the Farm

Morning AgClips offers a look into SARE's newest handbook: "Cover Crops: Improving Soil Health, Stewardship and Profitability on the Farm." The second edition includes new chapters on using cover crops in grazing and organic systems, plus the stories of 12 grain, vegetable, and livestock farmers from across the country highlight how they manage cover crops.

Virtual fencing opening opportunities for cattle producers

Virtual fence opens up new opportunities for livestock producers all over the United States, from increased grazing days to peace of mind. Kaitlyn Dozler-German spoke with Brownfield about the technology at the 2026 Heart of America Grazing Conference in Illinois.

Mentorship helps farmer’s cover crop plans succeed

Rob Myers said, “In a time of tight profit margins for row crops, managing soil health to moderate input costs can pay long-term dividends.” Implementing soil health practices with community support can be a game changer. Farmer Josh Nelson from Belmond, IA received mentorship from a fellow farmer and now he does the same for others.

Four Ways To Make Cover Crops Profitable In Year One

Cover crops often require a few years before you see a return on investment. Seed costs and some termination expense sometimes act as a barrier to interested producers. Our director, Dr. Rob Myers, and others, weighed in on this discussion.

Cover crop incentive program reopens with higher annual payments

Our partners at Farmers for Soil Health (FSH) recently opened their 20-state cover crop incentive program; it will stay open until Monday, Aug. 31. Research from our Center found that farmers who implement cover crops for at least three years find them to be an "essential tool" in their operations.

‘Women Landowners Leading Regeneration’ sets May meetings

We're hosting gatherings for women landowners who own and lease farmland in Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa through our Women Landowners Leading Regeneration (WLLR) project. Read this article from Illinois Farmer Today to learn more!