Ten Years of IL Corn Cover Crop Success

By Andi Anderson

IL Corn is celebrating a major milestone in its sustainability efforts — 10 years of the Cover Crop Coupon Program. This initiative has made it easier and more affordable for Illinois farmers to try cover crops and invest in soil health.

The Cover Crop Coupon Program was started by IL Corn in partnership with seed suppliers. It offers financial support to farmers by reducing the cost of cover crop seeds.

Over the past decade, this program has helped thousands of farmers begin using cover crops, expand their conservation acres, and improve their farm's environmental performance.

One Illinois farmer, Clint Gorden, shared his experience with the program: “With the IL Corn cover crop coupon knocking $200 off my seed bill, I was able to seed twice the acres I had planned. That saved me serious cash up front.”

Cover crops are an important part of sustainable agriculture. They help protect soil, improve water retention, reduce erosion, and add nutrients back into the ground. These benefits make farms more resilient and productive in the long run.

As more farmers look for ways to protect their land and lower input costs, IL Corn’s coupon program continues to be a reliable solution. What began as a small effort has now become a lasting tradition in Illinois agriculture, supporting both conservation and productivity.

Farmers who are not yet members of the IL Corn Growers Association can join to access the Cover Crop Coupon and other member benefits. By doing so, they can take part in a movement that promotes healthy farms, healthy soil, and a better future for agriculture in Illinois.

This program proves that with the right support, sustainable farming can be affordable and achievable for everyone.

Photo Credit: illinois-corn-growers-association