By Andi Anderson
The Cover Crop Premium Discount Program supports Indiana farmers by offering financial incentives to promote cover crop adoption. Cover crops are a valuable tool for preventing erosion, improving water quality, and enhancing soil resilience to weather changes.
Administered by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA), this initiative offers eligible farmers a $5 per acre discount on the next year’s crop insurance premium for verified cover crop acreage.
Eligibility and Requirements
The program prioritizes first-time cover crop users, but all farmers are encouraged to apply. Only acres not already benefiting from other state or federal cover crop incentives are eligible. Applicants must document their cover crop practices, including seed tags, application invoices, and compliance with Midwest Cover Crop Council or NRCS guidelines.
A cover crop is defined as a non-harvestable, conservation practice planted in the fall to protect soil and water quality. To ensure compliance, full-width tillage in the fall is not permitted. Cover crops must be managed or terminated in the spring according to USDA-NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines, which are essential for maintaining eligibility for federal crop insurance.
Program Availability
This program is available in over 40 Indiana counties, including Bartholomew, Decatur, Dubois, Hamilton, Marion, Monroe, and Wayne. The ISDA will verify applications and acreage, giving priority to first-time users. Farmers must agree to share information with the USDA-RMA and permit property access for verification.
By adopting cover crops, farmers not only benefit financially but also contribute to sustainable agriculture by improving soil health and climate resilience. Interested farmers should apply promptly to take advantage of this opportunity.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Indiana, Sustainable Agriculture