Aerial Cover Crop Seeding

In this episode of Under the Covers, Bill and James talk aerial cover crop seeding: how it works, why timing matters, and why airplanes have become such an important tool for getting cover crops planted ahead of harvest. The guys walk through the process from the farmer’s side: send in a map, choose the seed, and let the Iowa Cover Crop team handle the logistics, including loading planes with the beloved “unicorn” tender truck. They also cover the pros and cons of aerial application, from speed, convenience, and catching early fall rains to the realities of streaking, drift, and precision. Bill and James compare airplanes to drilling and drones, and explain why each method has a place depending on the field, the species, and the timing. Because when it comes to increasing cover crop acres, it is not airplanes versus drones versus drills. It is using the right tool for the right acre. Follow the show so you don’t miss the next hand.