Cold weather has settled across Maryland and southern Pennsylvania, but there is still plenty happening in the fields. In his latest RFD-TV appearance, Certified Crop Advisor Ben Hushon stepped indoors to share an important update on cover crop performance and why timing and moisture remain two of the most influential factors in successful fall establishment.
Early-Seeded Cover Crops Are Showing Impressive Growth
With temperatures around 30 degrees and wind chills near 20, Ben opted to photograph cover crop fields early that morning rather than report from the field. What he captured tells a clear story.
Back in late September, The Mill shared drone footage of cover crop being aerially applied into standing corn. This week, Ben returned to those same fields and placed a soda can beside the plants to show just how much growth has occurred.
The mix — primarily annual ryegrass and tillage radish — has flourished. Despite a drier-than-ideal fall, rains were timely enough to activate seed and promote vigorous growth.
“It's amazing,” Ben said. “Some of these fields look tremendous considering they were aerially applied into standing corn in late September.”
A Few Weeks’ Difference Makes a Big Impact
While early-seeded fields look strong, not all acres tell the same story.
Ben noted that fields seeded two to three weeks later show minimal growth, even when drilled. Similarly, small grains drilled in late October are up, but growth is noticeably smaller compared to earlier plantings.
The lesson is clear:
Fall moisture and seed timing remain the two biggest predictors of fall establishment success.
Whether seeding:
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Pasture
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Hay fields
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Cover crops
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Small grains
Even slight delays can dramatically affect fall growth, winter survival, and spring biomass.
Why Timely Seeding Matters for Soil Health
Cover crops are an essential part of soil conservation and nutrient management. Early establishment helps:
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Reduce erosion
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Improve soil structure
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Capture leftover nutrients
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Support spring planting conditions
Ben’s comparison across fields reinforces the value of planning ahead and taking advantage of September’s growing degree days whenever possible.
A Reminder for Growers
As Ben put it, “Just like everything else in farming, it’s always a gamble.” Weather patterns, soil moisture, and timing all shape the outcome. But consistent results continue to show that early fall seeding — especially when supported by adequate moisture — sets fields up for success.
Plan Your 2026 Cover Crop Strategy With The Mill
Whether you’re considering aerial application, drilling, or customized seed blends, The Mill’s agronomy team can help design a cover crop program tailored to your field conditions and soil goals.
Need help evaluating your cover crop performance or planning for next year?
Connect with The Mill’s Agronomy Team for localized strategies that work in Mid-Atlantic soils.
