ABOUT US
Who We Are
In 2016, farmers and representatives from agribusiness, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and universities gathered to form the Northeast Cover Crops Council (NECCC). Our organizational objectives include: defining knowledge gaps, fostering multi-state/multi-institutional research and collaboration with farmers, reporting cover crop best management practices, and developing web-based cover crop decision support tools to promote cover crop adoption and maximize cover crop benefits accrued.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Northeast Cover Crops Council is to support the successful implementation of cover crops to maximize economic, environmental, and social benefits. We facilitate regional collaboration between farmers, researchers, and the general public to foster the exchange of information, inspiration, and outcome-based research.
Cover Crops
Learn more about the different types of cover crops: Legumes, Grasses, Brassicas, Other Broadleaves, and Mixtures.
Decision Tool
Take a look at the integrated decision tool we use to assist farmers in Northeastern states with cover crop species selection. Find links to other tools developed in the Northeast.
Get Involved
Get involved by attending upcoming events, workshops, and conferences, learning about our current research activities, or conducting research of your own.
(Cover crops are great) because intensive vegetable production requires regular inputs of organic matter, and compost is expensive!
Intensive, year-round crop rotations that include covers between harvested crops are essential to sustain soil health and productivity.
Whether you call them cover crops, double crops, or grazing season extension crops, they are a great way to produce more forage and fill gaps in perennial forage crop production.
(Cover crops are useful) because they add resiliency to cropping systems.
Soil loss and soil productivity are two major areas cover crops can help – keep the valuable soil in the field and improve the soil’s ability to handle the growth & production we ask from it. The additional benefits of cover crops have been known for centuries but understanding the science behind cover crops seems to be just beginning.
Northeast Cover Crops Council Governing
Board Members
Governing Structure
The Northeast Cover Crops Council exists to serve the needs of a diverse agricultural community, a fact reflected in the governing structure. Changes to the governing structure may be made via a majority vote of the General Board to ensure organizational flexibility.
NECCC General Board
The General Board is composed of a minimum of one representative per Northeastern state, at least one farmer representative, and representatives from agri-business and agencies, such as USDA, NRCS, and NGOs. Representatives serve two-year terms, and may serve for a maximum of three consecutive (not lifetime) terms. Representative terms are staggered to allow for board turnover each year.
The General Board meets every two months and communicates as needed by email. Representatives are expected to chair or otherwise participate on committees that drive the NECCC’s mission. Committees report to the General Board regularly.
NECCC Executive Board
The Executive Board is composed of six representatives drawn from, and elected by, the General Board. The board is to consist of at least one farmer and not more than one representative from each state and constituency (e.g., agri-business, government agencies). Representatives serve three-year terms, staggered to allow for turnover each year. The board is to elect a Chair from among its membership who serves a three-year term.
The Executive Board meets and communicates by email as needed. Responsibilities include determining and overseeing the NECCC budget, evaluating staff performance, setting agendas, addressing day to day issues of immediate concern, and breaking General Board ties.
Program Manager
Victoria Ackroyd is the NECCC program manager. As such, she serves as the primary point of contact between the public and the NECCC, oversees daily NECCC operations, and assists with NECCC programming and product development.
Midwest Cover
Crops Council
The Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC) was first organized in 2006. Since its inception the organization has grown into a community that promotes the sharing of cover crop knowledge within the Midwest and beyond. Its mission is to facilitate widespread adoption of cover crops across the Midwest.
Western Cover
Crops Council
The Western Cover Crops Council (WCCC) is the “newest” of the regional councils. The mission of the Western Cover Crops Council is to facilitate and enhance communication and collaboration that promotes the successful adoption and integration of cover cropping into Western U.S. agricultural systems.
Southern Cover
Crops Council
The Southern Cover Crops Council (SCCC) was formed in July 2017 by a community of the willing from all of the states and territories in the Southern Region. Their overarching goal is to increase cover crop use through collaborative education and research across the Southern region.
NECCC Program Manager Victoria Ackroyd
Visiting Scientist, Mirsky lab (USDA ARS) and Assistant Research Scientist, Tully lab (Univ. of Maryland).
LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR COVER CROPS IN YOUR STATE
Find cover crop resources specific to all twelve Northeastern states here, including
contact information for cover crop experts in your area.