2024 Cover Crop Fly-On
The Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) has partnered with the Lenawee
Conservation District, Monroe Conservation District, Hillsdale Conservation District and
Scott’s Cover Crops LLC to offer a Cover Crop Fly-on program for local producers. Scott’s
Cover Crops has been flying on single species and special blends of cover crops for several
years. Flying out of Adrian, MI, pilots can now reach into southern Washtenaw County,
making aerial application of cover crops possible in our area.
There are a couple of benefits of having cover crops flown on. With aerial application, cover
crops can be flown on in late August/early September (depending on weather conditions).
This early application allows for better establishment of the cover crops, increasing their
root mass and erosion control. This early application also allows for cover crops to be
planted on fields that can become too wet after harvest. It is not uncommon for fields to
lay barren after harvest because of wet conditions and the risk of equipment ruining field
conditions. However, with an aerial application, cover crops are well established without
the risk of rutting up a field or creating additional compaction. This program is also
compatible with Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs.
If you have questions or are interested in participating, please contact Matt DeJonge at
matt@washtenawcd.org
or by calling (734)-302-8715.