DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — All eyes at the Farm Progress Show on Wednesday were on a new crop that is making farming more sustainable.

Abigail Peterson is the Director of Agronomy for the Illinois Soybean Association, and she was at Progress City this week to demonstrate cover crops.

“We enjoy using the show site as a platform where farmers can explore various species of cover crops. It provides an opportunity for them to see firsthand the different options they might consider this fall, whether they are trying something new or experimenting for the first time,” Peterson explained.

The new crop Peterson is suggesting is cereal rye, which she suggests planting before soybeans.

“This specific cover crop is ideal for the winter as it’s resilient and manageable, making it suitable for those beginning their soybean rotation,” Peterson mentioned. “And there’s still sufficient time this fall to decide on implementing it.”