Warm Season Grass Establishment Mowing Is Critical to Stand Success

Mowing

In order to most effectively begin your Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) project, you will need to establish a solid protocol for mowing your grass from the start, typically beginning in June. The seeds we plant need lots of heat, sun, and moisture in order to germinate. The soil temperature needs to stay above 65 degrees […]

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Plant of the month – Stiff Goldenrod
(Solidago Rigida)

Stiff Goldenrod Solidago Rigida

Commonly associated with hay fever, the Stiff Goldenrod actually doesn’t have wind-blown pollen and therefore isn’t the source of your sniffles! Instead, these hearty wildflowers are adaptable and a favorite of birds and butterflies. Plant characteristics A perennial plant, stiff goldenrod has green leaves, yellow blooms, and can grow between three and six feet tall.

Plant of the month – Stiff Goldenrod
(Solidago Rigida)
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Plant of the month – Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)

Purple Prairie Clover

Known as a legume type of wildflower, Purple Prairie Clover is able to capture nitrogen from the air and uses its natural bacteria to fertilize the soil. The most widespread of the Prairie Clover, this plant is a favorite of pollinators including bees, butterflies and other insects. This native clover is a key component of

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10 Steps to Choosing the Herbicide That’s Right For You

Chemical control with herbicides has been an important tool for managing weeds for many years. A strong herbicide plan is essential in controlling your weed population-maximizing your CRP establishment success. The tips below will help you build a successful CRP establishment plan. 1. Positively ID weed species Determining the weeds that create the most problems

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Adding Wild Bergamot to Your CRP

Wild Bergamot | CRP

Monardo fistulosa, better known as wild bergamot or bee balm, is a wildflower belonging to the mint family. This perennial can be found throughout much of North America in thickets, clearings, and dry fields. Wild bergamot can easily be identified by its summer-blooming flowers that typically range from pink to lavender (though they can also be white). These flowers produce a strong fragrance (as well as a potent taste

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How CRP Improves Soil Health

America is running out of soil.   Currently, the US loses topsoil 10x faster than it’s being replenished. Without healthy topsoil, the crops and materials we depend on can’t grow. Unfortunately, we can’t wait for topsoil to simply replenish itself. It takes roughly 500 years for a single inch of topsoil to be created naturally. At the rate we’re going, we could run out

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CRP to Be Expanded and Enhanced in 2021

Since taking office in January, President Biden and his administration have made it clear that sustainability and environmental protection are top priorities. While actions such as establishing a regulated carbon market could take some time to implement, the government is already expanding existing programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program.  CRP has proven to be one of the most successful voluntary conservation

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Blue Grama – Great for Erosion Control and Grazing

Bouteloua gracilis, more commonly referred to as “blue grama”, is a popular warm-season perennial grass. As the widest distributed of all grama grasses, it can be found throughout the Midwest and Plains region, as well as states like California, Florida, and Maine.   Despite the name, it is typically green, turning gold towards the end of the year. Additionally, it bears distinct comb-like floral spikes that can range from green to a reddish-purple. When fully grown, blue

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