Farmers Are Now Flying Cover Crops Into Standing Corn With Drones
Flying on Green: Why Farmers Are Turning to Drones for Cover Crop Seeding
Two farmers from Illinois and Nebraska explain why they switched to drones for seeding cover crops into standing corn. Aerial seeding lets them plant weeks before harvest without soil compaction, reach wet or terraced fields, and time it right before a soaking rain. Custom rates run $12–$15 per acre, and USDA EQIP cost-share helps offset the cost. They see it as a long-term hedge against fertilizer prices and weeds.
The best time to seed cover crops is right before a steady rain. If you know that you’re going to have a good soaking rain, put a cover crop down the day before.