Uses and Benefits of Farm Seed

Top 10 Uses for  Farm Seed & Cover Crops

Recommended Applications & Benefits

An Essential Component of Every Sustainable Farm

Strategic use of farm seed is an investment in the land that pays dividends in the form of greater long-term productivity and sustainability. With rich potential for a diversity of applications, farm seed and cover crops control erosion, add organic matter, conserve moisture, and support the integrity of soil and watershed ecology. By growing your own inputs, you economize on fertilizers, animal feed, and hay mulch, while improving the overall health of your livestock, soils, crops, the food you sell and, ultimately, the surrounding environment.

10 Recommended Farm Seed Uses

Of the many ways to incorporate farm seed into your operation, here are the top 10 applications and their key benefits:

Replenish organic matter and nutrients to the soil while enhancing soil structure.
Hold the soil in place and minimize weather impact between primary crop harvests.
Increase yields and reduce fertilizer costs by planting crops that add nitrogen to the soil.
Develop and maintain optimal soil profile by breaking up deep layers of compacted soil.
Plant smother crops to reduce herbicide and labor costs and improve soil health.
Diverse uses for grains include mulching, crop rotation, livestock and human nutrition.
Improve marketable yield by incorporating crops that release glucosinolates into the soil.
Reduce costs and improve animal health by growing your own livestock feed and pasture.
Attract bees and other beneficial insect populations to improve pollination/fruit set, and for pest control.
Plant recommended biomass crops for their potential to produce a high volume of organic matter.
Farm Seed Types

From grasses and legumes to brassicas and grains, Johnny's offers a range of cover crops and farm seed for practical applications:

Farm Seed Comparison Chart
Johnny's Farm Seed Comparison Chart

Review and compare key characteristics of types, including sowing season, germination temperatures, hardiness, and growth rate.