Too much rain can derail a season before it even starts. That was the case for one eastern South Dakota producer whose fields stayed too wet for weeks during planting season. With the clock ticking and crop insurance limitations in play, nothing seemed to fit - until AgSpire helped chart a new path.
When Fields Are Too Wet to Plant, Flexibility Matters
Farming and ranching can vary dramatically depending on your location, even within the same state. In South Dakota, this contrast is especially pronounced. While the state as a whole is known for its strong agricultural output, producers face very different challenges depending on which side of the state they call home:
- Eastern South Dakota tends to be wetter than average, especially the east of the 98th meridian, often forcing farmers to delay planting or even miss critical windows altogether.
- Producers in the western part of the state frequently battle the opposite problem: persistent drought and lack of moisture.
Both extremes can significantly reduce yields and pose serious threats to a farmer’s bottom line.
Jared Knock, a South Dakota farmer and rancher, and co-founder of AgSpire, recalls a specific instance that highlights the power of adapting to conditions. He was working with a producer in eastern South Dakota whose field remained too wet to plant for weeks. They cycled through potential solutions:
- Plan A: oats
- Plan B: corn
- Plan C: soybeans
- Plan D: millet for grazing
Nothing seemed to align with crop insurance requirements or the agronomic conditions at hand.
“The key to farming is being able to adapt when the conditions aren’t quite right. That is what makes us resilient as agriculturists. We know how to pivot,” Jared explained.
Plan E: A Creative Cover Crop Solution
Ultimately, they pursued plan E: rather than trying to squeeze in a traditional crop that might not mature in time or qualify under insurance guidelines, Jared suggested planting a cover crop blend instead. The farmer used Ranch Hand, a cover crop mix rich in legumes and designed to thrive in tough conditions, securing forage for the next season’s cattle while promoting long-term soil health.
Photo: A multi-species cover crop like this one pictured provides benefits for your land and grazing cattle – a win when too much rain prevents a cash crop.
By shifting from a cool-season to a warm-season planting strategy then back to cool-season, the farmer gained flexibility with planting and harvest timing without jeopardizing insurance coverage.
Maximizing Benefits with AgSpire’s Cover Crop Programs
Better yet, by utilizing the Grass is Greener Program through AgSpire, the producer received:
- an incentive payment for planting the cover crops
- a premium on his cattle for grazing on the improved pasture
- technical assistance and tailored solutions based on his field conditions and operational realities
“At the end of the day, it’s all about meeting producers where they are and helping them move forward,” said Jared. “Through our programs and practices, we focus on solutions that make sense on the ground and improve your operation’s resilience over time.”
Photo: Jared Knock on a cattle ranch in South Dakota. Our team visits with producers to understand their operations and help find the best solutions for their operational needs or goals.
>>> Interested in seeing how AgSpire programs can help in other adverse weather conditions? Read here about helping a producer respond after a hail storm.
At AgSpire, we’re here to help you navigate the challenges, whether you’re dealing with drought, excess moisture, or unexpected hail. Our team brings real-world experience and proven sustainability tools to support your goals and boost long-term profitability. Get in touch today to explore how our programs can support your farm or ranch.