This initiative brings crop and livestock producers together to unlock the full potential of cover crop grazing. By integrating livestock into row crop systems, we’re exploring how early-planted cover crops and managed grazing can improve soil health, enhance nutrient management, and increase farm profitability.

Through on-farm partnerships, applied research, and technical assistance in collaboration with Virginia NRCS, we are developing a practical, replicable model that works for real operations across Virginia and the broader Mid-Atlantic region.

Cover crops already play a critical role in protecting soil, but grazing them takes their benefits even further.

Integrating livestock into cropping systems can:

• Improve soil structure, biology, and water retention

• Cycle nutrients more efficiently and reduce reliance on external inputs

• Provide high-quality forage during fall and winter months

• Create additional revenue opportunities for crop producers

• Strengthen overall farm resilience and long-term profitability

Despite these benefits, cover crop grazing remains underutilized in the region. Producers often face logistical, financial, and technical barriers to adoption. This work is helping address those challenges by providing real-world examples, practical tools, and proven approaches that support successful implementation.

This work combines proven conservation practices with innovative tools to support successful integration of livestock and cropping systems.

Producer Partnerships

We connect crop and livestock producers through structured agreements that support shared goals, clarify expectations, and reduce risk. These partnerships are central to making cover crop grazing work in real-world conditions.

On-Farm Research

We evaluate grazed and ungrazed systems to better understand impacts on soil health, crop performance, nutrient dynamics, and livestock outcomes. This data helps inform recommendations grounded in practical experience.

Technical Assistance

Our team works directly with producers to plan and implement cover crop grazing systems, including crop selection, grazing management, and infrastructure setup.

Economic Analysis

We assess costs, returns, and return on investment to understand how these practices affect farm profitability—and to help producers make informed decisions.

Outreach & Education

We share lessons learned through workshops, field days, videos, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, helping producers and service providers build confidence and skills.

Project Monitoring & Data Collection

To understand how cover crop grazing affects farm performance, we monitor soil health, forage quality, weather conditions, crop yields, livestock performance, and economic outcomes throughout the project. Learn more about project monitoring methods and evaluation tools in the Tools & Resource section.

Together, these approaches are building a tested model that can be applied across the region.