We recently introduced KWS COVER+™ as a cleaner, more reliable alternative to farm-saved rye, offering a purpose-grown solution for soil protection between commercial crops. But KWS COVER+™ is more than just a bag of cover crop seed.
It’s a structured program designed with dealer success in mind, from sourcing and quality control to market positioning and environmental credibility. With demand for cover crops rising and farmers under increasing pressure to meet sustainability goals, seed professionals need more than a commodity seed source. They need a clean, consistent product that protects the soil and the trust they’ve built with their customers.
That’s where KWS COVER+™ delivers. The KWS COVER+™ program is intentionally structured to take the guesswork and liability out of the rye cover crop equation.
Unlike open-pollinated rye or bulk-sourced grain, KWS COVER+™ is derived directly from KWS Hybrid Rye production — making it a first-generation rye seed that offers both vigor and purity. Every lot is handled through licensed partners and distributed solely by licensed partners and authorized sellers, ensuring consistency across regions and seasons.
– No farm-saved grain with questionable weed seed
– No confusion about end use: this seed is for the soil, nothing else
Each bag includes a clear KWS COVER+™ tag that outlines its purpose: to protect soil, water, and air. It must be terminated before reaching maturity and cannot be used for forage, grain, or further seed production. That transparency helps dealers protect their business while giving growers confidence in the product they’re planting.
The rapid rise in cover crop adoption isn’t just a trend, it’s a shift in how growers manage long-term fertility, erosion control, and carbon goals. But that growth comes with growing pains.
Many farmers still rely on farm-saved sed or imports for their cereal rye, which increases the risk of noxious weed contamination, uneven stands, and regulatory non-compliance. These short-term “savings” can have long-term costs for both the grower and the dealer who supplied the seed.
KWS COVER+™ provides a better way forward. By offering a clean, tagged, and trusted product, dealers avoid difficult conversations and costly callbacks that can result from inconsistent seed. And with rising scrutiny on sustainability practices, KWS COVER+™ helps dealers align with programs focused on environmental outcomes.
Local Sourcing, National Scale
Another advantage of the KWS COVER+™ program is regional sourcing. Wherever possible, KWS works with U.S. based production partners to reduce reliance on imports from places like Canada, where supply chain instability and geopolitical uncertainty can disrupt availability or delay deliveries.
This regional approach supports: faster in-season availability, reduced transportation costs, better environmental adaptation, increased traceability and accountability. For dealers, it’s an assurance that you’re delivering more than just seed, you’re delivering security.
At its core, KWS COVER+™ is a partnership program. KWS provides training and resources to help dealers communicate the value of KWS COVER+™ to customers, from agronomic fit to environmental impact.
Whether you’re just adding cover crops to your portfolio or looking to upgrade your rye offering, KWS COVER+™ gives you:
- A clear market differentiator vs. farm-saved seed
- Access to marketing tools and education
- Confidence that what you’re selling meets real-world grower needs
“It’s Just for the Ground” And That’s a Good Thing
Seed professionals understand the risks of misused or misunderstood seed. KWS COVER+™ takes the ambiguity out of rye used for cover cropping. It’s not registered as a variety. It’s not conditioned for forage or grain. It’s purpose-built for protecting the ground between cash crop seasons.
By participating in the KWS COVER+™ program, dealers gain access to a product that supports soil health and regenerative practices, minimizes weed-related risks and strengthens dealer-grower relationships. That’s not something you can promise with farm saved seed.
As the cover crop market expands, dealers are being asked tougher questions about weed seed content, germination, source location, and long-term sustainability. With KWS COVER+™, you can provide answers and peace of mind. This is your chance to lead in a growing category with a product that’s rooted in agronomic value, supply chain integrity, and soil-first purpose.
Join the Network. Protect the Soil. Grow Your Business.
If you’re ready to offer a cleaner cover crop seed and align your dealership with a program built for trust, transparency, and soil health, it’s time to connect. 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/
