Wisconsin Cover Crop Usage Rose in 2025

Farmers across Wisconsin increased cover crop planting to boost soil health and prevent erosion.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Agriculture

Isometric editorial illustration showing uniform rows of green wheat seedlings emerging from brown soil in an agricultural field. — Wisconsin farmers expanded cover crop planting by 42% in 2025, using winter wheat and triticale to protect over 661,000 tons of soil. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe local farming practices are effectively protecting soil health in your area?

Statewide usage of cover crops grew by 42% in 2025, covering more than 350,000 acres of farmland. This surge in planting followed the completion of the corn silage harvest.

Why it matters

Farmers plant crops like winter wheat and triticale to manage soil health and prevent erosion. These efforts conserved over 661,000 tons of soil across fields in 2025.

Cover crop usage expanded by 42% in 2025, reaching a total of 350,000 acres. These measures successfully prevented more than 661,000 tons of soil erosion on farmland.

The players

Wisconsin Farmers

These agricultural producers are currently managing fall planting operations following the corn silage harvest.

The details

Farmers are currently busy planting winter crops such as winter wheat and triticale following the corn silage harvest. Residents should anticipate seeing more green fields locally this year and remain cautious regarding increased farm equipment traffic on state roads.

Cover crop usage saw a 42 percent increase throughout 2025.
Farmers have been planting cover crops during the fall of 2026.

Market Landscape

This activity follows the 2025 Wisconsin statewide cover crop expansion trend, marking a significant shift toward more intensive soil conservation efforts compared to previous years. The movement reflects an industry-wide prioritization of long-term land productivity.

Drivers throughout the state should exercise extra caution on rural roads due to the increased presence of heavy farm machinery during the fall season. While these planting efforts do not change retail food prices directly, they support the long-term viability of local agricultural output.

The takeaway

The rise in cover cropping demonstrates a concerted effort to maintain soil health after the corn silage harvest. Landowners and residents can expect to see more green fields this season as these conservation practices continue to expand.