Opey Rowell has a fairly simple view of carbon programs.
“Farmer as you believe and if it fits, then it fits,” says the farmer from Pekin, Illinois.
About three years ago, Rowell began integrating cover crops into strip farming, learning how to farm around the cover crops to maximize their benefits.
“I think there’s a lot of benefit to covering crops on our soil in March, April and May,” he explains, standing in his sandy river bottom fields in Illinois. “So by incorporating a strip-till process in the spring, we can have a seedbed and release the cover crops, and farm around them and get more benefit from the cover crops.”
Now, Rowell adds that he uses different mixes of cover crops before different crops, all based on what will benefit the soil by retaining nutrients, building organic matter or simply growing a better crop.
Carbon philosophy
He benefits from carbon programs, but will certainly not change his agricultural practices.
“My philosophy on the carbon programs is that if they align with your vision, you should do your best to take advantage of them,” he says. “I would encourage someone to farm the way you believe; don’t try to align your farm with a carbon program. The process of stripping and covering crops is very rewarding and fits in with the carbon programmes.”
But the key? “Believe in what you’re doing and then take advantage of the incentives,” he says.
Incentive use
Rowell also uses several incentives for the cover crop/strip-to process. Two years ago, he participated in the Illinois Corn Growers carbon credit program with Pepsico, and last year he enrolled in ADM’s cover crop carbon credit program. Each program gave him a return of $15 to $25 per acre.
“This year I’m working with Truterra and ADM again on another program,” says Rowell, adding that his local FSA office has been a big help. He also enrolled in the crop insurance incentive program for cover crops through the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
“The incentives are there and if you can get the right people around you, they can help you take advantage of them,” Rowell concludes.
