New project looking for bee keepers and growers with cover crops in Michigan

Rufus Isaacs<isaacsr@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Entomology -

This project will document benefits of cover crops as habitat and nutritional sources for pollinators. Respond to the project manager if interested.

Bees are one focus of a new project from the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) based in Indiana, and they are looking for cooperators in Michigan. This project will document the benefits of cover crops as habitat and nutritional sources for pollinators.

The “Economic, Agronomic and Environmental Benefits of Cover Crops” project will examine Midwestern farm’s ability to support bee colonies and help producers to understand their farm’s role in pollinator health.

CTIC is looking for beekeepers in Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Ohio who are willing to contribute their expertise to the project. These beekeepers will be paired with farmers who produce bee-nourishing plants, particularly cover crops. Apiaries will then be established on the farm proportionate to its estimated carrying capacity. Hive health and productivity will be monitored and used to shape the producer’s management plan.

This three-year project is part of a Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) and is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and members of CTIC. The project also will examine nutrient cycling, improvements in soil health and other benefits of cover crops.

To become involved in or learn more about the “Economic, Agronomic and Environmental Benefits of Cover Crops” project, visit www.ctic.org/CoverCropMath, or contact Sara Hagmann at 765-494-9555 or hagmann@ctic.org.

CTIC is a national not-for-profit organization that champions, promotes and provides information on technologies and sustainable agricultural systems that conserve and enhance soil, water, air and wildlife resources that are productive and profitable. For more information about CTIC, visit www.ctic.org.

Dr. Isaacs' work is funded in part by MSU's AgBioResearch

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