NDSU Finds Profit in Grazed Cover Crops

By Scout Nelson

Researchers at North Dakota State University (NDSU) have discovered that integrating livestock grazing into cover crop systems provides measurable economic benefits and supports long-term farm sustainability.

The study, conducted by NDSU’s School of Natural Resource Sciences and the Department of Animal Sciences, found that grazing livestock on cover crops can cut investment costs by half while maintaining soil health and productivity.

While using livestock and crops together is an old practice, modern agriculture has often separated the two. However, NDSU research shows that bringing livestock back to graze on cover crops can help offset costs and create a more sustainable farming system.

“That was a really exciting part, to see the differences in economics,” says Meehan, “especially knowing that feed cost would be reduced as well, as the animals wouldn’t need to be fed in a drylot.”

Graduate researcher Katrina Kratzke, who helped lead the study, noted that grazing also improves biodiversity by adding manure and organic matter to the soil. “Integrating livestock increases biodiversity and strengthens soil health,” she explained.

The four-year study, launched in 2022, tested several treatments: dual-grazed, single-grazed, nongrazed, and no-cover control plots. The research included multiple crop rotations such as foxtail millet, soybeans, and corn to monitor soil, forage, and water data.

Results showed that even a short grazing period reduced cover crop costs by half, and longer grazing could offer full returns on investment. The study also observed no negative soil health effects after three years, suggesting that more time is needed to see deeper benefits.

Meehan and Kratzke say the findings confirm that integrating livestock with cover crops is a viable, sustainable strategy for both crop and livestock producers, helping improve efficiency, lower feed costs, and strengthen overall farm resilience.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev