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National Cover Crop Survey Reports

Created with SARE support
Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) | 2026 | 89 pages

Cover of report with two men in ball caps kneeling on the ground examining plants.

From increasing yield to improving soil health, find out why farmers use cover crops. Since 2012, SARE, CTIC and other partner organizations have periodically conducted a national survey of farmers on their experiences with cover crops.

New! 2026 Survey: report (PDF)
2024-2025 Survey: report (PDF)
2022-2023 Survey: report (PDF) summary (PDF)
2019-2020 Survey: report (PDF)
2016-2017 Survey: report (PDF)
2015-2016 Survey: report (PDF)
2014-2015 Survey: report (PDF)
2013-2014 Survey: report (PDF)
2012-2013 Survey: report (PDF)

The cover crop survey is conducted by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) in conjunction with SARE and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). Sponsors within ASTA include Agassiz Seed, Ampac Seed Company, Beck’s Hybrids, Grassland Oregon, Green Cover Seed, La Crosse Seeds, Mountain View Seeds, ProHarvest Seeds and Seedway.

Related Resources

cover image of Cover Crop Economics publication

The Economics of Cover Crops

Data from these surveys formed the basis of an economic analysis of cover crops to help farmers determine when cover crops begin to pay off in different management situations. This analysis is presented in the bulletin Cover Crop Economics: Opportunities to Improve Your Bottom Line in Row Crops.

cover image of the book that shows a tractor pulling a planter across a field with a young crop growing

Cover Crops

Cover Crops addresses a wide variety of cover crop management topics, including how to use cover crops in a time-efficient manner and adapt their use to the particular needs of a given farm.