Local farmer turns to cover crops to combat climate change

BLUFFTON, Ind. (WPTA) - Farmers have always always adjusted to changing weather conditions over the years. But more extreme weather events are happening more often, forcing them to adapt in new ways.

One farmer near Bluffton says that adaption is not only good for the ground, but also helping his farm become more productive--and profitable.

Farmer Rick Johnloz says one solution may be cover crops.

Those studying climate change’s affects on agriculture agree that cover crops are an important solution for farmers when building a climate-friendly future

Rick Johnloz’s farm has participated in a cover crops study for the last five years, and he likes the results he’s seeing. Johnloz says he’s seen an improvement in soil organic matter and an increase in yields over the previous year. That’s surprising to Johnloz.

Now that he’s seeing results, Johnloz plans to continue the trend of increased productivity. He says he’s going to plant cereal rye cover crops across his entire field this year.

Cover crops do add cost to a farm, and Johnloz says cover crops also require extra work. That extra work can mean doing some research.

Given the work and cost, Johnloz still feels planting cover crops is worth it. At the end of the day, farmers may just need to experience the benefits for themselves.

And at the end of the day, Johnloz says it all goes back to the core mission of every farmer.

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