Indiana's Cover Crop Premium Program

By Andi Anderson

Indiana's agricultural community is abuzz with the continued success of the Cover Crop Premium Discount Program. Spearheaded by a collaboration between The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), The Nature Conservancy, and the USDA's Risk Management Agency, this initiative enters its fourth consecutive year, offering Hoosier farmers a tangible benefit for sustainable practices. 

The program aims to bolster soil health and water quality by encouraging the planting of cover crops. Cover crops play a pivotal role in enhancing soil structure, enriching it with nutrients, and providing essential ground cover vital for the land's vitality. Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, expresses enthusiasm for the program's potential to expand cover-cropped acreage, a move poised to significantly benefit water quality and soil fertility across the state. 

The 117 participating farmers from the previous year, covering over 35,000 acres in the watershed, highlight the program's growing success. Eligible farmers planting cover crops in fall 2023 stand to receive a $5 per acre crop insurance premium discount, offering a financial incentive for implementing this sustainable practice. 

This year's program expansion covers 26 out of Indiana's 92 counties, providing a broader scope for farmers interested in embracing cover cropping. Moreover, funding from the Clean Water Indiana grant and the Cummins Foundation reinforces the initiative's commitment to fostering agricultural sustainability and water quality improvement statewide. 

Don Lamb, ISDA Director and a second-generation farmer, underscores the challenges farmers face in adopting cover crops and lauds the program's substantial support. The program's applications remain open until March 15, 2024, or until the allocated funds are exhausted, offering an opportunity for farmers to benefit from this rewarding initiative.  

This program stands as a testament to Indiana's commitment to agricultural sustainability, promoting practices that ensure long-term soil health, water conservation, and environmental well-being. For farmers looking to invest in the future of their land and the community, the Cover Crop Premium Discount Program serves as a beacon of support and opportunity. 

Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev