If you are a Wisconsin farmer looking to plant cover crops this fall, you could see more financial support through the Farmers for Soil Health program. Enrollment is open now and includes higher incentives with a simplified contract structure.
The farmer-led program is available to producers growing corn, soybeans, wheat, grain, sorghum or cotton. Farmers can enroll whether they are trying cover crops for the first time or have used the conservation practice for years. There are 20 participating states, including Wisconsin. The deadline to apply is August 31.
One of the biggest changes this year is an increase in payments. Eligible farmers can now receive $35 per acre, per year, on up to 2,000 acres enrolled. Program leaders also shortened the contract period from multiple years to a single year. This gives producers greater flexibility to decide whether to continue participating each season. Farmers for Soil Health Executive Director Ben West says the changes are designed to better match the real-world costs of establishing cover crops while making the program easier to use.
“These updates more accurately reflect on-farm costs and the agronomic value of cover crops,” West explained. “It also reflects Farmers for Soil Health’s commitment to supporting row-crop farmers interested in adopting conservation practices that improve soil health and long-term farm resilience.”
West calls the combination of higher payments, shorter contracts, and continued technical assistance an intention to make the program more accessible for growers interested in improving soil health.
Participating farmers will have access to state technical advisors who can answer questions about eligibility, guide them through enrollment, and provide support for implementing new or existing cover crop practices.
Cover crops are planted between cash crop seasons to help reduce soil erosion, improve water infiltration, build soil organic matter, and suppress weeds. Many growers also use these crops to improve long-term soil productivity and resilience.
Learn more about Farmers for Soil Health and how to enroll in the program here.
