Cover Crop Funding

Requirements for Cover Crop Program

• Cover Crop applications will be accepted for the 2023-24 growing season. Single year agreements.
• Applicant must have Current Agriculture Erosion & Sedimentation/Conservation Plan for the farms/acres to be funded.
• No maximum amount of acres or dollars per applicant.
• Maps including fields and acreage of where cover crops are to be planted must be supplied with application.
• Single species cover crop will be paid a flat rate of $35/acre, multi-species cover crop will be $50/acre.
• Cover Crops must be planted/established by November 1.
• Cover Crops must be maintained until March 15.
• Cover Crops that winter kill must provide at least 25% cover in order to be eligible for payment.
• Cover Crops may not be used as forage or harvested for grain.
• Field and maintenance verification will be performed by the conservation district staff before the final payment.
• All seed purchased for cover crop must be tested and properly labeled in accordance with the PA Seed Law and Regulations. If the grower elects to use home-grown seed, it must be tested for purity, germination, and absence of noxious weeds by a recognized seed laboratory prior to seeding.
• If manure or nutrients are applied onto the cover crop, it must be consistent with a current Nutrient Management Plan or Manure Management Plan.
• Applications must be submitted by September 15. Final contracts approved by the October Board meeting. Applications and contracts can be approved by the District at the same meeting.

Learn More about the Cover Crop Program