Study finds early adoption trends in sustainable South Dakota farms
Cover crops are vital for sustainable farming as they enhance soil fertility, improve structure, prevent erosion, and support better water retention. They also reduce nutrient runoff and control pests and weeds, making them essential for both farm productivity and environmental protection.
However, the benefits of cover crops often take years to show, while farmers face upfront costs like seed and planting expenses. In South Dakota, these financial challenges and narrow planting windows often discourage adoption.
To address this, researchers at South Dakota State University’s Ness School of Management and Economics — Tong Wang and Hailong Jin — studied the impact of cost share programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program. These initiatives cover up to 75% of implementation costs.
The study found that farmers participating in cost share programs adopted cover crops two to four years earlier than those who did not. "Additional costs, coupled with potential risks, may discourage many producers from cover crop adoption," said Tong Wang, an associate professor in South Dakota State University's Ness School of Management and Economics who has been conducting research on conservation agricultural practices for over a decade.