Farmer talks planting, cover crops

VINCENNES, Ind. — Like many farmers, Mike Brocksmith is already thinking about planting next spring.

“Usually in late summer we begin to purchase our inputs for the next year,” he said at the National Cover Crop Summit. “Hopefully, by the end of the year we have a solid plan with our inputs lined up for the next year.

“An important part of our off-season is planter maintenance. I truly believe the corn planter is the most important tool on our farm. It is responsible for over half of our gross revenue.

“It is followed second by the bean planter, which is also a very important tool. We only have one chance to plant the crop at the best time and do it correctly.”

This time of year, his plan is to drill as many cover crops as possible.

Brocksmith has used conservation tillage for more than 30 years and cover crops since 2009.

“Cover crops can’t be an afterthought,” he said. “They require time and management. No matter how you handle it, they will probably distract some from harvest.

“I have become the cover crop drill person on our farm. I truly enjoy that role. I love to drill cover crops. I truly believe in cover crops. And after 40 years of hauling grain in a truck, I don’t miss that part at all.

“But there are complications. Communication is imperative. We have to work as a team. We have to remember our priorities and long-term goals.”

It’s imperative to ask for help when you need it, Brocksmith said.

Even in the middle of what he calls “harvest hysteria,” plans change.

People get sick or hurt and sometimes there are family commitments.

“We have to all remain flexible and work together,” Brocksmith said. “I will need help from the harvest team and they will need help from me. And I want them to know I always have their back 100%.”