Regenerative Seed Growers: Jeff Steffen

Join Nebraska farmer Jeff Steffen and Green Cover co-founder and co-owner Keith Berns in this discussion about growing regenerative seed.
Jeff Steffen and his wife Jolene operate a 600-acre farm in northeast Nebraska. Jeff has had extended rotation since 2015 which includes raising oats, rye and peas for cover crop seed, in addition to corn and soybeans cash crops.
Integrating livestock is a key part of Jeff's operation and keeping careful track of his economics proves that soil health pays!
At Green Cover, we grow, clean, mix, and deliver the highest quality cover crop seed directly to agricultural producers across the United States. Our faith-based company is built by farmers, family-owned and united in our purpose to help farmers regenerate, steward and share God's creation for future generations. We'd love to provide you with excellent quality seed, expert cover crop advice, and a custom seed blend designed to meet your goals for your field.
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[@DowdleFamilyFarms]

It’s great to hear how green cover is encouraging regenerative production for your seed producers as well. I’m enjoying listening to these while working around the farm.

[@vincentlunemannflatfarmer7822]

Good stuff

[@ChadChristianson543]

Great info Jeff and Keith! Love the info and education you both have a passion to share with us all.

[@230e4]

Thanks for sharing your experience Jeff. I too would like to see more untreated corn seed available and used.

[@SandwichKing-lj4ej]

I love green cover seed, very good germination. Deer and rabbits happy with it.

[@paulvandenberg5341]

I still flinch when you soil biologists refer to “biology in the soil rather than soil biome.
This soil biologist who has been able to manage his vineyard with no pesticides, going into 12th season, credits his soil biome and biodiversity.
Thanks Green Cover for these great conversations and thought provoking videos.
I’m having fun with refugiums of Green Cover Pollinator Mixes.

[@caseymac2287]

I'm really excited about this series!! Is green cover seeds looking for any more regenerative growers? I'm located in central Illinois and i'm looking at ways to diversify my cash crops. I currently grow non gmo corn, non gmo soybeans, wheat, and diverse cover crop mixes, but Im always looking for cash crops that'll give me ample time to seed my covers and gain more diversity.

[@caseymac2287]

I would guess that the reason for not needing insecticides and fungicides has the most to do with your N program. Too much nitrate early in the growth stages can cause all sorts of issues including up to 30% more water needs, excessive vegetative growth, and weak watery thin cell walls. The last part makes the plant more susceptible to disease and lodging. Ecess nitrates in the plant can also cause other micronutrient deficiencies. Insects can't digest complete, nutrient dense plant tissue. Generally, If you have an insect problem, you also have a plant nutrition issue as well.

[@jimbledsoe9083]

@6:55 What is the conditioning you are speaking of?

[@keithberns910]

Conditioning is another term for seed cleaning