By Jordan Keller

Heading into dormancy in November of 2025, Plot 1 (Rye/Oats mix spread at 60lbs/ac on 9/24/25) had an estimated vegetative coverage of 44%. Coming out of dormancy, the vegetative coverage was estimated at 60% on March 13 and 71% on March 26. The average height of the rye in plot 1 going into dormancy was around 7”, and the average height now is around 8.5”.

Plot 2, (rye-only cover crop broadcast at 60lbs/ac on 10/8/2025), really benefited from the warmth and moisture we saw in March. It doubled its vegetative coverage between March 13 & March 26, going from 15% to 30% coverage over that two-week span. This was a welcomed surprise considering when plot 2 went dormant in November had an estimated 2% coverage. The average height of the rye in plot 2 going into dormancy was around 2”, and the average height now is around 5”.

Both plots will continue to be monitored biweekly through mid-April or whenever the producer decides it’s time to terminate them so he can get the field ready for planting row crops. Check out the timelapse to see plot 2 come to life in March 2026.

For a more detailed recap of our observations from planting through winter dormancy, check out the Winter 2026 Newsletter.