Our History

In August 2006, a diverse group from academia, farmers, non-governmental organizations, commodity interests, private sector, and representatives from federal and state agencies convened at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to explore the potential of a regional collaboration to restore year-round living cover on the Midwest landscape. The intent of this gathering was to share current research, identify emergent priorities for regional collaboration, discuss contemporary challenges preventing broader adoption of living cover on the Upper Midwest landscape, and explore the possibility of a multidimensional partnership.

In August 2007 a strategic plan was completed, based on input from a planning meeting in April in Minneapolis and phone discussions with numerous stakeholders. The strategic plan outlines the mission, vision, and values of the group as well as the initial organizational structure and the overarching priorities for work. The Executive Committee has held regular conference calls and submitted grant proposals for funding some of the proposed work of the Council. In March 2008 the third annual meeting was held in Indianapolis. This meeting provided networking opportunities and included small group working sessions on needs in extension, research, communications, and policy development.

The MCCC continues to meet annually to further the needs of cover crop related extension, research and policy efforts. Below the meetings held since 2006. To view more detailed agendas and review presentations and posters for the most recent meeting, please visit the MCCC meetings page.

• 2006, Aug.- Augusta, MI
• 2007, Apr.- Minneapolis, MN
• 2008, Mar.- Indianapolis, IN
• 2009, Feb.- Windsor, ON
• 2010, Mar.- Ames, IA
• 2011, Feb.- Ada, OH
• 2012, Feb.- West Lafayette, IN
• 2013, Feb.- London, ON
• 2014, Apr.- Warsaw, IN
• 2015, Mar.- West Des Moines, IA
• 2016, Mar.- Madison, WI
• 2017, Mar.- Grand Rapids, MI
• 2018, Mar.- Fargo, ND

Since its inception, support for the Midwest Cover Crops Council has been provided by the following entities:

• Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
• Walton Family Foundation
• Great Lakes Regional Water Program (A partnership of USDA CSREES & Land Grant Colleges and Universities)
• Green Lands Blue Waters
• W.K. Kellogg Biological Station Land and Water Program
• W.K. Kellogg Foundation
• USDA Higher Education Challenge Grant Program (Grant #2004-38411-14745)
• Iowa State University
• Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture
• Michigan State University
• Ohio State University
• Purdue University
• University of Minnesota

Thank you to our supporters both past and present!