For someone who is starting cover crops for the first time I recommend a mix of oats, radish and turnips because it will winter kill, meaning the plants are not expected to survive freezing temperatures or the first frost. The leftover residue helps to hold soil in place and protect against erosion during the winter.

Cadence Larson

Cadence Larson is a Soil Health Conservationist at Swift Soil and Water Conservation District. She has a background in agriculture and supports farmers planting cover crops and implementing conservation in Swift County. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What is your background?

Cadence: I grew up on a farm in central Minnesota and I have a strong agriculture background as my family has a large cow-calf operation and produces corn and soybeans. Growing up I was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA while showing livestock at different competitions. I always knew I wanted to have a career in agriculture, so I attended Ridgewater College in Willmar for agricultural business with a livestock emphasis.  

After college I was lucky to be able to do internships with local cooperatives and soil testing organizations, then I applied to the soil health conservationist position at Swift SWCD in June 2024. I was new to soil and water conservation districts at the time, so I’m definitely still learning along the way. Around the time I started, Swift SWCD was able to start funding cover crops through a cost-share program, and since then, cover crops have become more popular in Swift County. I’ve been happy to be able to help producers with cover crops and be a resource for them, and I try and promote cover crops as much as I can because they are a big part of the conservation journey for a lot of farmers.

Does Swift SWCD offer cost-share programs for cover crops?

Cadence: We have some cost-share programs available for Swift County residents for implementing cover crops, with different payment rates depending on the number of species. Funding for the cover crop cost-share program at Swift SWCD is subject to change, so be sure to reach out to us to see what is available.

Farmers that plant cover crops must follow NRCS guidelines for seeding rates and planting dates to receive payment through our cost-share program. It’s important to note that we don’t penalize if the cover crop doesn’t establish well, and as long as the farmer makes an honest effort at planting it correctly, they will receive payment from us. We’ve had a farmer that was able to establish a cover crop without irrigation on his farm who received payment from us, for example.

What types of farm operations are incorporating cover crops in Swift County?

Cadence: We have about 25 farmers we’re currently helping to plant cover crops in Swift County, and I know a lot more are planting them through projects with Natural Resource Conservation Service. Lots of those people are row crop farmers, but some livestock farmers use cover crops as well.

What cover crops are used for livestock and row crop systems in Swift County?

Cadence: Popular cover crops in Swift County include mixes with oats, radish, and turnips, and mixes with spring wheat. Our cover crop mixes are most commonly planted after soybeans or edible beans. For single species cover crop, people are using winter cereal rye which will over winter and will have to be terminated in the springtime.  

Grazing mixes can have many different species, and I’ve seen farmers in the northern part of the state grow 10+ species in their mix. Cover crops that are good for grazing include oats, radish, turnip, rapeseed, brassicas, and rye.  

For someone who is starting cover crops for the first time I recommend the mix of oats, radish and turnips because it will winter kill, meaning the plants are not expected to survive freezing temperatures or the first frost. The leftover residue helps to hold soil in place and protect against erosion during the winter.

During your time at Swift SWCD, have you seen cover crops help farmers endure extreme weather events like drought or flooding?

Cadence: We have had flooding in this area recently and I’ve seen cover crops help absorb quite a bit of excess water. One farmer I worked with was even able to get into his field quicker after flooding because his soil structure was strong from implementing both cover crops and no-till. Cover crops can sometimes compete with cash crops for water, especially something like winter rye which is why I don’t recommend winter rye for someone new. But the long-term benefit of cover crops is improved soil health which helps during drought and flooding on the farm.

Can you share a success story from working with a producer on conservation? 

Cadence: One farmer I worked with used the oats, radish, and turnip mix on his fields, and he noticed that the radishes and turnips helped with compaction since they have a taproot, and the mix also helped suppress weeds in his field. Another positive thing from growing that mix is that it added a lot of organic matter to his fields which can help with soil texture and structure to protect against erosion.

What resources do you recommend that help farmers who are implementing cover crops or other conservation practices?

Cadence: If you have a local farmer mentor who has experience in your area with different conservation practices, reach out to them along with your local Soil and Water District.

Additionally, I always recommend farmers reach out to NRCS and take advantage of their programs and support. The University of Minnesota Extension has great resources as well, and I refer to their research a lot. The Minnesota Soil Health Coalition is another great organization that provides a lot of information about conservation practices and mentors who can help farmers that are implementing cover crops and other conservation practices.

What are you looking forward to in the 2026 growing season?

Cadence: I recently worked with a landowner that broadcast seeded a cover crop mix on top of his corn on July 1st using a drone, which I have not seen before in Swift County. It was a mix of brassicas and they’ll be grazing it, so I’m excited to see how that will come up in the fall.

How can people keep up with Swift SWCD and the conservation support you offer?

Cadence: People can always give us a call at our office (320-289-6033) with any questions they may have. Also, check out the Swift SWCD website for information about our programs, and read our annual report and newsletter at www.swiftswcd.org.  

Interested in working with Cadence at Swift SWCD? Connect with her at: Cadence@swiftswcd.org, or 320-289-6033.

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Conservation advisors work one-on-one with farmers to assess resource concerns and find opportunities for stewardship improvements. These advisors can be found at organizations across the state, from Extension offices to Soil and Water Conservation Districts to wildlife-focused non-profits. MFU regularly features conservation advisors to share how their assistance can support your farm goals. Read more in this series here.