Hi, my name is Dave Robison. I am a cover crop and forage agronomist working in the Midwestern region of the United States. Further down you will find a list of activities and assignments (boring reading) that I’ve been a part of over the years that have given me a unique perspective on the cover crop industry. But first…
Why you should read this website:
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I want this to be your one stop resource for all your cover crop information. My goal is to make it easy for you to find the answers to any questions you may have about cover crops.
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Next, you can tell me what YOU want to know and I’ll do the research for you. Don’t waste your time searching for answers on the internet when you can instead be taking care of other things. You can reach me at dave@plantcovercrops.com
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You can sign up for my newsletter. I send out periodic updates on what you need to know and it can come right to your inbox.
The information below will (hopefully!) establish my credibility:
Midwest Cover Crop Council –(founding member -member 5 years)
This council involves people from NRCS, SWCD, Extension, Soils professors, National Soil Tilth Lab leaders, etc…The MCCC involves 10 states and 3 Canadian provinces. I am the only seedsman on the council. I have spoken to this group at the Ontario, Canada and Ames, Iowa meetings on types of cover crop seed and their uses. In 2009 I spoke about “How and Where to Find Cover Crop Seed.” In 2010 I spoke on “The Buzz about Radishes,” teaching about the different characteristics and uses of the different types of radishes.
Indiana Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative Committee member
This committee of 20 people from across Indiana includes the ISDA, ISWCD, NRCS, Purdue Extension, etc…I am one of two seedsmen on this committee.
National Cool-Season Grass Initiative (co-founder 2001-02, Co-Chairman – 2010 and Chairman - 2011)
I initiated this committee because many people in the seed industry and in state extension did not know the true characteristics of annual ryegrass or Italian ryegrass. Since its inception we have added several other members from the seed industry and extension from across the USA. We examine the benefits and limitations of cool-season grasses and the best way to utilize each cool season grass species.
Other stuff
Along with my committee responsibilities, I also speak all across the Midwest on the value of cover crops and how they can be better utilized. I have a ton of experience planning and overseeing ”on the farm” trials all across a 5 state region along with working extensively with university researchers at their testing sites.
Other, other stuff
I have an awesome family consisting of my wife Sally and our 7 (yes, seven) children…ages 28 to 6. My wife and I serve as missionaries to the Hispanic community in our county. I am youth director and my wife is children’s ministry coordinator of the Hispanic Bible Church in Warsaw, Indiana. I love to garden and read the Bible…and help people be successful in agriculture and life.
