Under The Covers

Iowa Cover Crop

Under the Covers is a farmer-led agriculture podcast hosted by Bill Frederick and James Holz, Iowa farmers and founders of Iowa Cover Crop.Each episode is recorded during a game of cribbage. When the game ends, the episode ends.We’re working Midwest farmers who built an independent seed business rooted in practical farming and sustainable agriculture. The unfiltered conversations we’ve had for years, in the seed shed, at the farm gate, and over a few pond beers, are now on the record.This show is about modern agriculture, the real decisions, tradeoffs, and debates shaping farming today.We talk about:Midwest farming and row crop agricultureRegenerative agriculture and soil healthCover cropsWater quality and land stewardshipSmall grains, forages, alfalfa, turf, and native seedingCattle, grazing systems, and pasture managementFarm profitability and business strategyRural economics and agricultural policySome episodes are light.Some will tackle harder issues.All of them are grounded in the reality of actual working Iowa farms.We don’t script it.We won’t always agree.We sort it out as we go.It’s honest farm talk, all our cards on the table.Follow us on social media @iowacovercrop

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Aerial Cover Crop Seeding

    In this episode of Under the Covers, Bill and James talk aerial cover crop seeding: how it works, why timing matters, and why airplanes have become such an important tool for getting cover crops planted ahead of harvest. The guys walk through the process from the farmer’s side: send in a map, choose the seed, and let the Iowa Cover Crop team handle the logistics, including loading planes with the beloved “unicorn” tender truck. They also cover the pros and cons of aerial application, from speed, convenience, and catching early fall rains to the realities of streaking, drift, and precision. Bill and James compare airplanes to drilling and drones, and explain why each method has a place depending on the field, the species, and the timing. Because when it comes to increasing cover crop acres, it is not airplanes versus drones versus drills. It is using the right tool for the right acre. Follow the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Also, if you have enjoyed the podcast, leave us a review and share this episode to your support! Find us on social media in between episodes on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/iowacovercrop Instagram: @iowacovercrop X: @iacovercrop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacovercrop Learn more about Iowa Cover Crop at www.iowacovercrop.com

  2. Jul 2

    County Fair Memories & Life Lessons

    In this episode of Under the Covers, Bill and James celebrate county fair week with a look back at their 4-H days: livestock projects, static exhibits, fair memories, and the lessons that stuck around long after the ribbons were handed out. Growing up in the Greenbrier 4-H Club, the guys talk about the impact of long-time club leaders, how 4-H clubs changed over the years, and the shift from boys’ and girls’ clubs to co-ed groups, with a detour through some classic club names along the way. From showing cattle and hogs to static exhibits like rebuilding a John Deere tractor, building toolboxes, and making wooden stilts, this episode walks through the full fair experience. Bill and James talk about beef pen of three, the responsibility of livestock projects, the emotional side of raising animals, and the strange mix of freedom, chaos, and community that made the fair feel like the center of the universe. They also reflect on what 4-H taught them beyond the projects: record-keeping, public speaking, production agriculture, community service, responsibility, and how to function on very little sleep. Whether you grew up in 4-H, raised 4-H kids, judged a project, hauled livestock to the fairgrounds, or just know the beautiful madness of fair week, this episode is for you. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Also, if you have enjoyed the podcast, leave us a review and share this episode to your support! Find us on social media in between episodes on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/iowacovercrop Instagram: @iowacovercrop X: @iacovercrop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacovercrop Learn more about Iowa Cover Crop at www.iowacovercrop.com

  3. Jun 18

    Growing Your Own Nitrogen With Hairy Vetch

    In this episode of Under the Covers, Bill and James dig into hairy vetch and the idea of growing your own nitrogen. Hairy vetch is a winter-hardy legume with the potential to provide serious nitrogen ahead of corn, but like most things in farming, it comes with a few “well, it depends” moments. The guys talk through what makes hairy vetch exciting, what makes it tricky, and why variety selection matters more than people might think. They also discuss their own cover crop trials comparing different vetch sources, the risk of winterkill, hard seed concerns, and why seed origin matters when trying to ensure survival through an Iowa winter. SPOILER: Not all hairy vetch is created equal and you're going to learn from our failures. The conversation also covers mustard as a cover crop, its potential for natural fumigation, and planting green into living cover crops. If you’ve ever wondered whether hairy vetch could help reduce nitrogen inputs, or if planting green still makes you a little nervous, this one’s for you. Don't forget to follow the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Also, if you have enjoyed the podcast, leave us a review and share this episode to your support! Find us on social media in between episodes on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/iowacovercrop Instagram: @iowacovercrop X: @iacovercrop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacovercrop Learn more about Iowa Cover Crop at www.iowacovercrop.com

  4. Jun 4

    First Year with Cows: James Asks, Bill Answers

    In this episode of Under the Covers, Bill and James talk cows…or more accurately, Bill explains cows while James asks the questions. James recently went all in on the cow business with two semi-loads of black cows. This episode turns into a real-world conversation about systems, management styles, and lessons learned over the years. From calving seasons and bull selection to grazing management and toxic fescue, the conversation turns into a real-world discussion between someone just getting started and someone who’s been doing it for decades. The guys also dig into: Why James wants to calve in June instead of springThe challenges of managing heifers for the first timeWhat Bill looks for when selecting bullsWhy both guys prefer grazing over confinement systemsThe economics (and frustrations) of putting up hayManaging toxic fescue in pasturesWhy diversified farms may matter more in the futureThe episode also touches on the bigger picture: building farming systems that work together instead of treating crops, cattle, and feed as separate operations. If you’ve ever thought about getting cows, this one’s for you. Follow the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Also, if you have enjoyed the podcast, leave us a review and share this episode to your support! Find us on social media in between episodes on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/iowacovercrop Instagram: @iowacovercrop X: @iacovercrop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacovercrop Learn more about Iowa Cover Crop at www.iowacovercrop.com

  5. May 21

    Warm Season Grazing: Our Plans for This Year

    In this episode of Under the Covers, Bill and James sit down at the cribbage board to talk cattle, grazing, and why more farmers may be looking at livestock differently in the years ahead. The guys break down how they each manage cattle in completely different systems. They cover everything from grazing corn stalks and cover crops to utilizing small grains and warm-season annuals to stretch feed and extend the grazing season. A big part of the conversation centers around warm-season grazing mixes and why they’ve become an important tool during the summer slump when cool-season pastures start running out of steam. The guys also explain what’s inside their “Cow Catcher” mix and why certain species made the cut. The guys also dig into: Why more cattle herd rebuilding may happen in the MidwestThe benefits of warm-season annual grazingWhy they prefer millets over sorghum-sudangrass in many situationsUsing BMR varieties for improved feed qualityThe real-world challenges of establishing native warm-season grassesHow cover crops and cattle can work together in a systemAs always, the conversation goes where the cards take it. Follow the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Also, if you have enjoyed the podcast, leave us a review and share this episode to your support! Find us on social media in between episodes on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/iowacovercrop Instagram: @iowacovercrop X: @iacovercrop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacovercrop Learn more about Iowa Cover Crop at www.iowacovercrop.com

  6. May 7

    From the Seed Shed: Is grazing back?

    In this episode of Under the Covers, Bill and James sit down at the cribbage board to discuss what happened in the warehouse this spring and what we think it means for agriculture overall. From launching a new alfalfa line (yes, named after legendary tractor models) to expanding our turf and forage lines the guys break down what’s been happening at Iowa Cover Crop. But this episode goes beyond seed sales. The conversation turns toward the bigger shift they’re seeing in agriculture right now: more farmers looking beyond the standard corn-and-bean rotation, growing interest in grazing and annual pastures, and a stronger focus on cutting input costs while building resilient systems. The guys also dig into: Why cattle markets are pushing more acres toward grazingHow small grains can improve the bigger farm pictureReducing nitrogen and herbicide needs through cover crop systemsAs always, it’s practical, unfiltered, and occasionally derailed by a good hand. Follow the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Also, if you have enjoyed the podcast, leave us a review and share this episode to your support! Find us on social media in between episodes on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/iowacovercrop Instagram: @iowacovercrop X: @iacovercrop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacovercrop Learn more about Iowa Cover Crop at www.iowacovercrop.com

  7. Apr 23

    All Things Oats Part 2

    Bill and James continue their talk about oat season for 2026. Oats don’t always get much attention in Iowa agriculture, but they’ve earned a spot in our system. In this episode, Bill and James break down what it actually takes to grow oats. From planning and planting to figuring out where they fit in the rotation, this is a real-world look at what’s working, what’s not, and why oats might be worth a second look. If you’ve been thinking about small grains, this is a good place to start. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Also, if you have enjoyed the podcast, leave us a review and share this episode to your support! Find us on social media in between episodes on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/iowacovercrop Instagram: @iowacovercrop X: @iacovercrop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacovercrop Learn more about Iowa Cover Crop at www.iowacovercrop.com

  8. Apr 9

    All Things Oats

    Bill and James talk about oat season for 2026. Oats don’t always get much attention in Iowa agriculture, but they’ve earned a spot in our system. In this episode, Bill and James break down what it actually takes to grow oats. From planning and planting to figuring out where they fit in the rotation, this is a real-world look at what’s working, what’s not, and why oats might be worth a second look. If you’ve been thinking about small grains, this is a good place to start. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Also, if you have enjoyed the podcast, leave us a review and share this episode to your support! Find us on social media in between episodes on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/iowacovercrop Instagram: @iowacovercrop X: @iacovercrop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacovercrop Learn more about Iowa Cover Crop at www.iowacovercrop.com

  9. Mar 26

    Easy Yes, Hard No: Farm Spending Decisions

    Piggybacking off Bill’s trip to the Iowa Farm Expo, this episode is simply about money on the farm. Some things are an easy yes. Others? You’ll think about them for months… maybe years… and still not pull the trigger. In this episode of Under the Covers, Bill Frederick and James Holz talk through some of their spending decisions on their farms. Equipment, inputs, and everything in between. Learn what we’re comfortable spending money on, what we hesitate on, and what that probably says about how we operate. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Also, if you have enjoyed the podcast, leave us a review and share this episode to your support! Find us on social media in between episodes on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/iowacovercrop Instagram: @iowacovercrop X: @iacovercrop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacovercrop Learn more about Iowa Cover Crop at www.iowacovercrop.com

  10. Mar 12

    What We Learned at the Practical Farmers of Iowa Conference 2026

    The 2026 Practical Farmers of Iowa Conference is in the books. In this episode of Under the Covers, we talk about what actually stuck with us after PFI. Not a play-by-play recap, just the conversations, themes, and ideas we’re still thinking about weeks later. We cover: • How we explain the Practical Farmers of Iowa Conference to someone who’s never been • What makes PFI different from other ag conferences • Themes we kept hearing in hallway conversations • A few moments that stayed with us • Ideas we’re excited to take back to our own farms • What feels like it’s shifting in Midwest agriculture right now Some conversations reinforced things we’ve been thinking about for a while. Others pushed us a little. A few made us rethink how we’re approaching our own acres. This episode is us sorting through what we heard and what it might mean for our farms, our business, and the direction regenerative agriculture and Midwest farming seem to be heading. If you care about: Practical Farmers of Iowa Regenerative agriculture Soil health Cover crops Grazing systems Small grains Farm profitability Rural communities Or the future of independent farming You’re in the right place. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Also, if you have enjoyed the podcast, leave us a review and share this episode to your support! Find us on social media in between episodes on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/iowacovercrop Instagram: @iowacovercrop X: @iacovercrop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacovercrop Learn more about Iowa Cover Crop at www.iowacovercrop.com

  11. Feb 26

    Nitrates in Iowa’s Waterways: Context, History, and What It Means for Farmers

    If you live in Iowa, you’ve probably heard the headlines. When Central Iowa Water Works turned on its nitrate removal system in January, it caught attention across the state. Winter operation is rare. Nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers were elevated. And once again, Iowa water quality and agriculture were in the news. In this episode of Under the Covers, we slow the conversation down. We talk about: The history and context behind Des Moines Water Works and Iowa farmersWhat actually happened during the 2015 Des Moines Water Works lawsuitHow that moment intersected with the early days of Iowa Cover CropWhat the nitrate removal system sounds like when it’s runningHow we felt about the lawsuit then and how we think about Iowa’s water quality progress nowPractical ideas for improving water quality moving forwardThis isn’t outrage radio. And we won’t pretend this is simple. It’s a farmer-to-farmer conversation about Iowa water quality, nitrogen management, responsibility, and the realities of modern agriculture. We don’t solve it. We don’t dodge it. We talk through it. And yes, we’re still playing cribbage while we do. If you care about: Iowa farming Water quality Nitrogen management Regenerative agriculture Cover crops Ag policy Tile drainage Rural economics Or how farmers are actually thinking about these issues You’re in the right place. When the game ends, the episode ends. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Also, if you have enjoyed the podcast, leave us a review and share this episode to your support! Find us on social media in between episodes on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/iowacovercrop Instagram: @iowacovercrop X: @iacovercrop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacovercrop Learn more about Iowa Cover Crop at www.iowacovercrop.com

  12. Feb 12

    Farmers, Cribbage, and Cover Crops: Why We Started This Podcast

    If you’ve ever wondered what real conversations between farmers actually sound like… this is it. Welcome to Under the Covers, a podcast hosted by Bill Frederick and James Holz, founders of Iowa Cover Crop. We’re two Midwest farmers who built an independent seed business and decided that recording our constant banter and frequent disagreements was a good idea. This episode sets the stage. We talk about: - How Iowa Cover Crop got started - What our farms look like today - Why we decided to start a farming podcast now - Who this show is actually for - And why we’re playing cribbage while we record This isn’t an academic deep dive. It’s not a sales pitch. And we’re definitely not going to agree on everything. This is farmer to farmer conversation about agriculture, regenerative farming practices, rural business, soil health, decision-making, and whatever else ends up on the table. When the cribbage game ends, the episode ends. If you care about: Midwest farming Row crops Small Grains Cover crops Cattle Grazing Regenerative agriculture Independent ag businesses Agriculture policy Rural economics Or just honest farm talk You’re in the right place. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss the next hand. Also, if you have enjoyed the podcast, leave us a review and share this episode to your support! Find us on social media in between episodes on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/iowacovercrop Instagram: @iowacovercrop X: @iacovercrop YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iowacovercrop Learn more about Iowa Cover Crop at www.iowacovercrop.com

  • 12 Episodes

About

Under the Covers is a farmer-led agriculture podcast hosted by Bill Frederick and James Holz, Iowa farmers and founders of Iowa Cover Crop.Each episode is recorded during a game of cribbage. When the game ends, the episode ends.We’re working Midwest farmers who built an independent seed business rooted in practical farming and sustainable agriculture. The unfiltered conversations we’ve had for years, in the seed shed, at the farm gate, and over a few pond beers, are now on the record.This show is about modern agriculture, the real decisions, tradeoffs, and debates shaping farming today.We talk about:Midwest farming and row crop agricultureRegenerative agriculture and soil healthCover cropsWater quality and land stewardshipSmall grains, forages, alfalfa, turf, and native seedingCattle, grazing systems, and pasture managementFarm profitability and business strategyRural economics and agricultural policySome episodes are light.Some will tackle harder issues.All of them are grounded in the reality of actual working Iowa farms.We don’t script it.We won’t always agree.We sort it out as we go.It’s honest farm talk, all our cards on the table.Follow us on social media @iowacovercrop

Information

  • Creator
    Iowa Cover Crop
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Under The Covers
  • Show Website
    Under The Covers

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