By Andi Anderson
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has launched the I-COVER program with a $7 million USDA grant. This initiative provides financial support for farmers and landowners adopting cover crops or using advanced planting techniques.
I-COVER, which stands for Infield Conservation for Operationalizing Vital Ecosystem Resilience, is a three-year program covering 2025, 2026, and 2027. It is part of the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), in collaboration with Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.
Cover crops offer many benefits, including improved soil health, reduced erosion, and better drought resistance. "Illinois has some of the most fertile soil in the world, and I encourage farmers to participate," said Jerry Costello II, Illinois Director of Agriculture.
Pre-enrollment opens on February 10, 2025, and applications can be submitted starting March 3, 2025. The program closes on March 14, 2025. Farmers can apply online through the IDOA website.
Selected applicants will receive financial incentives based on cover crop types:
- $61.13 per acre for winter-killed cover crops
- $85.65 per acre for a single cover crop species terminated in spring
- $105.40 per acre for multiple cover crop species terminated in spring
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority is given to the first application per county before reviewing other submissions.
IDOA and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff will verify eligibility, assist with planning, and support applicants with payments and reporting.
Land enrolled in other state, federal, or private cover crop programs is not eligible. Farmers must have control of the land for the program’s duration. Program funding depends on federal fund availability.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Illinois, Sustainable Agriculture