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Field Crops, Grains & OilseedsRelay Cropping Calendar
Relay cropping overlaps two crops in the same field, which makes timing tighter and equipment planning more important than in a standard rotation.
Key points
- Relay cropping plants the second crop before the first is harvested.
- The planting trigger is usually the stage of the first crop, not a date.
- Equipment, row spacing and weed control options need planning in advance.
- Try it on one field first and compare to a standard system.
- Follow label rules for any product used in a field with two crops.
What is relay cropping?
In relay cropping, the second crop is planted into the first before the first is harvested. A well-known example in the eastern Corn Belt is soybean planted into standing winter wheat, sometimes called relay intercropping, which Ohio State, Purdue and Iowa State have studied and written about.
The idea is to give the second crop a head start compared with double cropping, where it is planted after harvest. The trade-off is that it requires careful timing, equipment and management so the first crop is not damaged.
Because this is a specialized practice, expect a learning curve. Local research is still developing, and recommendations may differ from one state to another.
How do you plan the calendar?
The planting date of the second crop is usually set relative to the stage of the first crop, not a fixed date. In wheat, for example, extension sources discuss planting soybeans when wheat has reached a certain stage, or into wide rows.
Confirm the recommended stage and spacing with your state extension office or the publications from Ohio State and Purdue, since results depend on region and wheat management. Then track both crops' stages every week.
Write down the date the first crop reached the chosen stage and the date you planted the second crop. That pair of dates is the most useful record for deciding whether to adjust next year.
- Stage the first crop weekly
- Set the second crop's planting trigger by stage
- Plan row spacing and equipment early
- Keep notes on both crops
What equipment and field changes does it need?
Planting into a standing crop needs a planter or drill that can pass through without damaging plants. Some systems use wide rows in the first crop to leave space. Tracks, tire width and header settings need to be considered.
Talk to farmers and extension agents who have tried it locally. Small details such as wheel spacing and tire width often decide whether the system works.
Harvest of the first crop needs planning too. A header or combine pass over the new crop can damage seedlings, so think about wheel tracks and cutting height before the season starts.
What risks come with relay cropping?
Competition between the two crops, damage during harvest of the first crop, and weed control can all be problems. Weather also matters. A dry spell can hurt the second crop while the first crop is still using water.
Herbicide options are limited when two crops share the field, and the label is the law. Ask extension or a licensed applicator what is allowed, and follow plant-back and pre-harvest intervals.
Nutrient needs overlap. Use soil tests and local recommendations for both crops, since nutrient management rules vary by state.
How does it compare with double cropping?
Ohio State research reported that intercropped soybeans may offer yield and financial advantages over double-crop soybeans in the trials studied. Results will vary by field and season, so treat it as a reason to try a small area, not a guarantee.
Start with one field and compare it with a standard double crop or full-season approach on the same farm. Record planting, emergence, yield and costs.
How do you manage records and decisions?
Keep a record of both crops' stages, planting dates, passes and results. Compare across years.
If the system does not pay or adds too much stress to your workload, drop it. A calendar is a tool for fitting the system to your farm, not a promise that it will fit.
Is relay cropping right for your farm?
Consider your equipment, labor and soils before you try it. If you cannot get a planter through standing wheat without damage, or if your fields are prone to drought, the system may be harder than it looks.
Start small. One field or even half a field is enough to learn the timing and measure results. Keep a notebook with both crops' stages and your decisions, and compare the results with a standard double crop or a full-season option.
Talk to neighbors and extension staff who have worked on this system. Local experience is worth a great deal, because relay cropping is sensitive to small details.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 2026. Educational information, ranges only. Confirm timing with your county extension office.