Maryland Department of Agriculture

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Cover Crop Program

​​​Field of cover crops with trees and water in the distance-headline Energize Your Soil Plant Cover Crops-Photo Edwin Remsberg 

Grant Applications Will Be Accepted June 23-July 17, 2025
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 
Maryland‘s 2025-2026 Cover Crop Sign-Up runs June 23 through July 17, 2025 at local soil conservation districts. This is your opportunity to apply for grants to help cover the cost of planting cover crops in your fields this fall to enhance soil and water quality.

NEW THIS YEAR...
The program has been simplified and aligned with state budget projections to support as many farmers as possible in their conservation efforts. Please read the following information carefully to learn more about important changes to this year’s program.​

WHY COVER CROPS?
Cover crops are your first line of defense against erosion and runoff in winter. They are
important to the health of local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. Want to improve your soil’s health? Check out this starting lineup of benefits. Cover crops:
  • ​Recycle unused nutrients for spring ​crops
  • Add organic matter to the soil
  • Control weeds and pests
  • Reduce soil compaction
  • Protect fields from too much or too little rain
APPLY IN PERSON
Please contact your local soil conservation district to apply for our grants​. Bring your completed Nutrient Management Plan Certification and IRS Form W-9.

2025-2026 Program Highlights
This year’s base payment is $35/acre, but you can earn up to $65/acre with add-on
incentives for using highly valued planting practices.

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PLANTING OPTIONS​
  • ​Plant cover crops after corn, soybeans, sorghum, tobacco, vegetables, hemp, sunflowers, sod, or millet.
  • You must plant at least 10 acres of cover crops to participate in this program.
  • Total enrolled acres may not exceed acreage managed under the farm’s Nutrient Management Plan.
  • Direct deposit of cost-share grants is available.
SEED REQUIREMENTS
  • Both homegrown and purchased seed must be tested and labeled following Maryland Seed Law and Regulations.
  • ​Seed must be free of prohibited noxious weed seeds, have a minimum germination rate of 80%, and have no more than 16 restricted noxious weeds per pound.
  • NEW If you incorporate your cover crop into the soil, you’ll need to follow NRCS recommended seeding rates.
ELIGIBLE COVER CROP SPECIES
  • Cereal Grains Wheat/spelt, rye, barley, triticale, oats, and ryegrass
  • Brassicas​ Forage radish and canola/rape
  • Legumes ​Clover, Austrian winter peas, and hairy vetch  (must be planted with a cereal grain as part of a mix)
COVER CROP MIXES
  • ​Planting a cover crop mix can increase biodiversity on your farm and protect against weather extremes.
  • Two-species cover crop mixes may be planted at a rate of 50% cereal grains and 50% brassicas or legumes.
  • Three species mixes (50/25/25)must contain a minimum of 50% eligible cereal grains.
  • NEW To maximize their soil health benefits, mixes containing legumes must be terminated after May 1. No additional incentives apply.
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
  • ​Plant cereal grains by November 5, 2025. Some species have earlier deadlines.
  • ​​NEW Plant oats and mixes containing legumes, forage radish, or canola/rape by October 10, 2025.
  • The aerial seeding deadline is October 10, 2025.
  • Terminate cover crops between​ March 1 and June 1, 2026.
FALL MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
  • After becoming well established, eligible cover crops may be grazed or chopped for on-farm livestock forage.
  • NEW Non-poultry manure may be applied to cover crop fields in the fall at a base payment rate of $25/acre. No additional incentives apply.
​CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT
To receive payment, you must certify your cover crop with the local soil conservation district within one week of planting and by November 12, 2025. In addition, all follow-up documentation must be submitted to the local SCD by December 1, 2025.
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FIND A CONTRACTOR TO PLANT YOUR COVER CROP
Click here​ for a list of contractors who can plant cover crops in your fields this fall. 

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
  • ​You must be in good standing with the Conservation Grants Program and in compliance with Maryland’s nutrient management requirements.
  • Additional restrictions may apply.​

The Cover Crop Program is funded by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund.
Contact your local soil conservation district for more information.​​​​​​​​​​
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Contact Information

Jason D. Keppler
​Program Manager
Phone: 410-841-5864
jason.keppler@maryland.gov​

Office Address
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401​​​ 

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​ ​Image of farmer with link to YouTube video​

Learn how cover crops can improve your operation and make a difference for local waterways.

Cover Crop Forms and Resources

Field of cover crops with question: Do You Plant Cover Crops on Leased Acres?​​

More Info and PDFs​

Maryland Department of Agriculture
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-841-5700 or Dial 7-1-1 for Maryland Relay