KWS COVER+™ Delivers Clean, Local, Reliable Rye You Can Trust
Cover cropping is no longer a niche practice. It’s a cornerstone of regenerative agriculture, and U.S. farmers are embracing it at record rates. Among cover crop options, cereal rye stands out for good reason: it establishes quickly, scavenges nitrogen efficiently, and suppresses weeds both physically and chemically—thanks to its natural allelopathic compounds.
These attributes have made cereal rye a go-to soil protection tool across the country. According to the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), cover crop acres are expected to grow by another 10.5 million acres in the next five years1. That’s great news for soil health—but it comes with a serious seed supply concern.
A Cover Crop Boom—With a Rye Supply Problem
As cover crop adoption expands, the industry is facing a shortfall in high-quality cereal rye seed. While demand rises, actual rye production in traditional crop rotations remains limited—especially in the Midwest. Open-pollinated rye’s low yield potential has pushed many growers to drop it from their rotation altogether.
This leaves seed companies scrambling to meet demand, often sourcing rye from Canada. But that external supply chain raises concerns—especially in light of rising geopolitical uncertainty and the potential impact on cross-border seed availability.
And even when rye is available, another issue lurks in the bag: weed contamination.
The Risk Behind Farm-Saved Seed
In many cases, rye used for cover cropping is farm-saved or uncertified, introducing a high risk of noxious weed seed. Once that contaminated seed hits the ground, problems begin: uneven establishment, invasive species outbreaks, and long-term soil degradation. For seed professionals, that means strained customer relationships and reputational risk that’s hard to recover from.
You’ve worked hard to earn trust. Don’t let a dirty seed lot undo it.
KWS COVER+™: The Clean, Local Alternative
That’s where KWS COVER+™ comes in—a soil protection solution from the world’s top hybrid rye breeder. KWS COVER+™ delivers first-generation common rye seed derived directly from hybrid rye production, handled exclusively by trusted Licensed Partners and Authorized Sellers.
It’s not a crop. It’s not for grain or forage. It’s just for the ground. It’s purpose-grown to protect soil between cash crops—and it must be terminated before maturity.
Clean seed, no surprises – All seed sold under the KWS COVER+™ program is carefully sourced and processed through trusted partners to ensure noxious weed freedom.
Local availability – Sourced regionally to support nearby growers with the right genetics for their soil and climate and to reduce reliance on volatile cross-border markets
You know what’s in the bag – A consistent, transparent second generation seed product backed by KWS quality. All seed sold through the program must have a bag tag that states its contents.
Why Seed Professionals Are Embracing COVER+™
As a seed dealer or distributor, KWS COVER+™ helps you offer a better solution—without the headaches of sourcing, conditioning, or explaining poor seed quality to frustrated growers.
With KWS COVER+™, you can:
- Sell clean cover crop seed confidently
- Tap into a growing market with limited risk
- Offer a rye option that’s aligned with soil health goals
- Avoid liability tied to uncertified or contaminated seed
It’s a simple, scalable way to meet grower needs, support regenerative farming, and stand behind the seed you sell.
The Future of Rye for Cover Crops Starts Here
As cover cropping continues to scale up across North America, the seed industry must adapt. Reliance on low-yield, open-pollinated rye or uncertain imports is no longer sustainable. And with clean, local seed becoming a premium need, KWS COVER+™ fills the gap with integrity and foresight.
Whether you’re expanding your cover crop offering or looking for a cleaner, more consistent rye option, KWS COVER+™ gives you a dependable program built for long-term success.
Ready to Join the Program?
If you’re interested in becoming a KWS COVER+™ License Partner or Authorized Seller, now’s the time to take the next step. Learn how you can access clean, first-generation rye seed that meets today’s cover crop demand—without the risk. Reach out to Justin Milcarek to explore how you can participate in KWS COVER+™. He can be reached at: justin.milcarek@kws.com. To learn more about KWS COVER+™ visit: https://www.kws.com/us/cover/
