Strong Demand For Cover Crop Initiative
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.
In just ten days, a targeted cover crop initiative introduced by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) due to the extreme wet weather conditions has seen high demand. The initiative covers 75,000 acres throughout the state that farmers have taken Prevented Planting on and so far, nearly half of the acreage (35,000 acres) have been spoken for.
“I am really pleased with the interest in our cover crop program and we are encouraging farmers to take advantage of this initiative as soon as possible as available funds are limited,” said John Sullivan, Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture. “If you are interested in cover crops on your Prevented Planting acres you need take action now.”
To take advantage of this program producers will need to complete three required forms and documents which are available at their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) or FSA office:
• FY20 Prevented Planting / Cover Crop Incentive Application and payment form (PP/CC1)
• Agreement and Terms Contract (PP/CC-1A)
• Copies of USDA-Farm Service Agency form 578
Once these forms and documents have been completed, applicants need to contact their local SWCD office to schedule an appointment to review and finalize the application process.
Feel free to contact your local county SWCD office or the IDOA’s Bureau of Land and Water Resources at (217) 782-6297, for additional information. ∆