Cover cropping continues to play an important role in U.S. agriculture, with farmers citing incentive payments, crop yield increases, weed control and improved profits among the factors supporting continued use, according to the 2026 Cover Crop Report.

The survey, released Sept. 1, included 657 farmers in 46 states and Puerto Rico. It was conducted by the Conservation Technology Information Center, USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program and American Seed Trade Association.

The report classified farmers who had used cover crops in the past as intermittent users rather than former users, reflecting the role cover crops can play in adaptive management systems. Among intermittent users, 28.6% said they were definitely or probably open to considering cover crops again, while another 34.7% said they might consider using them.

The survey found the average acreage planted with cover crops was 397.9 acres. Nearly half of cover crop users reported having 10 or more years of experience with the practice.

Cover crop users reported a mean yield increase of 3.5 bushels per acre for corn and 1.4 bushels per acre for soybeans. Thirty-one percent of users reported better weed control following cover cropping, while other respondents cited increased profits as a benefit.

Incentive payments also played a role in cover crop adoption and continued use. Of the 256 cover crop users surveyed who reported receiving an incentive payment in 2025, 81.6% said they probably or definitely would continue using cover crops.

Only 21.6% of previous or intermittent cover crop users reported receiving some type of cover crop incentive payment. Among those growers, 70% said the payments encouraged them to try cover crops by reducing financial risk or helping offset direct costs.

None of the past users who had received incentive payments said an issue with the program contributed to their decision to stop using cover crops. The survey indicated growers were most attracted to programs that offered easy enrollment and clear terms.

The report also highlighted potential opportunities for livestock producers. Nearly two-thirds of cover crop users surveyed did not graze their cover crops, suggesting additional acreage could be available for grazing. The report noted that farmers could work with cattle producers to graze cover crops, potentially providing another use for the practice.

Source: Michigan Farm News, "National report shows continued expansion of cover crop use"