Area farmers eligible for cover crop discount program

(Photo: USDA/Brandon O'Connor)

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) -- Most area farmers are eligible for the Cover Crop Premium Discount Program this year.

The program rewards farmers who plant cover crops by providing a reduced premium on their crop insurance. The discount program was designed to promote planting additional acres of cover crops that are not covered by other state or federal incentives.

Farmers in Dearborn, Decatur, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties are eligible for the incentive, according to the Indiana Department of Agriculture.

This program will provide farmers with a unique opportunity to receive financial incentives for implementing cover crops on their operation. Farmers who plant cover crops on owned or rented acres will receive a $5 per acre crop insurance premium discount.

Farmers who planted cover crops in the fall of 2023 are eligible to apply.

Seeding of cover crops must follow best agronomic practices in terms of appropriate seeding rates, seed mixes and seeding dates to ensure objectives of the cover crop are being met. To ensure the practice provides the best results termination must be completed in the spring.

Applications are due by March 15. Learn more and apply by clicking here.