By Liz Stahl, Extension Educator - Crops, Phyllis Bongard, Educational Content Development & Communications Specialist, and Anna Cates, Extension Specialist in Soil Health
Register now to reserve your spot with the University of Minnesota Cover Crop Academy! This innovative program is a year-long, hybrid course offered at three statewide locations during 2026-2027: Westport, Waseca, and Lamberton. If you advise farmers as a crop consultant, educator, or agronomist, or work for Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), or other agencies, this program is for you. Participants from the 2024-25 session claimed increased confidence around cover crop agronomics, enjoyed watching the field plots develop and planned to make use of their new connections with other advisors in their area.
This unique opportunity takes a deep dive into cover crop challenges and opportunities in Minnesota cropping systems and conditions. The course includes two in-person meetings (possibility for an optional third) at the location you choose, five online meetings, and supporting online module learning.
The academy kicks off with an in-person meeting at the research site you selected. There, you'll visit cover crop research plots and learn what is and is not working in your region. Early in the academy, you and your cohort will develop your own small research trial at your location to help address some of these unknowns around cover crops. Every other month, you'll dive deep into cover crop topics with online learning and an online meeting. Finally, the Academy will wrap up in May 2027 with an in-person meeting where you will be able to see results from trials you helped develop.
This program is brought to you by University of Minnesota Extension, with support from the Minnesota Natural Resources Conservation Service, General Mills, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), and the Minnesota Office of Soil Health.
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| Participants collecting biomass in small research plots during May 2025 meeting. |
This unique opportunity takes a deep dive into cover crop challenges and opportunities in Minnesota cropping systems and conditions. The course includes two in-person meetings (possibility for an optional third) at the location you choose, five online meetings, and supporting online module learning.
The academy kicks off with an in-person meeting at the research site you selected. There, you'll visit cover crop research plots and learn what is and is not working in your region. Early in the academy, you and your cohort will develop your own small research trial at your location to help address some of these unknowns around cover crops. Every other month, you'll dive deep into cover crop topics with online learning and an online meeting. Finally, the Academy will wrap up in May 2027 with an in-person meeting where you will be able to see results from trials you helped develop.
Cover Crop Academy Schedule
- June 2026: In-person meetings at the location of your choice (attend only one)
- June 9, Rosholt research farm, Westport, MN
- June 16, Southern Research and Outreach Center, Waseca, MN (in conjunction with the SROC Agronomy Field Tour)
- June 25, Southwest Research and Outreach Center, Lamberton, MN (in conjunction with the SWROC Cover Crop Field Day)
- Online sessions, 10:00 a.m. to noon
- July 14, 2026: Developing a cover crop plan. Discuss cover crop species selection, seeding methods, and seeding rates. Determine cover crop small plot research treatments.
- September 8, 2026: Herbicides and weed management in cover crops. Learn about herbicide residuals and carryover concerns with cover crops and best management practices for cover crop termination.
- November 17, 2026: Managing soil fertility in cover crop systems. Learn about nitrogen management, manure applications and reduced tillage in cover crop systems.
- January 12, 2027: Avoiding cash crop issues after cover crops. Discuss planter specifications and modifications and insect pest issues. Learn from a farmer panel about what to expect in the spring.
- March 9, 2027: Where’s the easy button to get started? Discuss easy entry points for cover crops in the crop rotation, and special topics based on participant interest.
- May 2027: In-person meetings at your location. Course wrap-up, including a visit to your small plot trials to assess results. Dates to be determined.
Certified crop advisor CEUs will be available, primarily in the soil and water, crop management, nutrient management, and pest management categories (15+).
Registration
The cost to participate in the UMN Extension Cover Crop Academy is only $100, thanks to our program sponsors. For more details and to register, go to Cover Crop Academy (https://z.umn.edu/CCAcademy).
Register by June 5, 2026 to reserve your spot. Registration will be limited and filled on a first come, first served basis. You may select Waseca, Westport, or Lamberton in the introductory module of the Canvas course. Note, all attendees are expected to participate in the entire program, and certificates of completion will be awarded at the final session.
Register by June 5, 2026 to reserve your spot. Registration will be limited and filled on a first come, first served basis. You may select Waseca, Westport, or Lamberton in the introductory module of the Canvas course. Note, all attendees are expected to participate in the entire program, and certificates of completion will be awarded at the final session.
This program is brought to you by University of Minnesota Extension, with support from the Minnesota Natural Resources Conservation Service, General Mills, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), and the Minnesota Office of Soil Health.
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