MARYLAND'S 2023-2024 COVER CROP PROGRAM
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The 2023-2024 Cover Crop Enrollment Period Has Now Ended
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!Sign-up for Maryland’s 2023-2024 Cover Crop Program runs June 21 through July 17, 2023 at soil conservation district offices statewide. Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to apply for attractive grants to help pay for seed, labor, and equipment costs to plant fall cover crops. To improve your customer experience, we have returned to in-person registration at local soil conservation district offices this year.
COVER CROPS BENEFIT YOUR FARM
Fall-planted cover crops provide many benefits. Cover crops add organic matter to your soil, control weeds and pests, and protect local streams from sediment and
nutrient runoff over winter.
MIX IT UP THIS YEAR!
Cover crop mixes of small grains and legumes offer an even broader range of benefits since they thrive in different weather conditions. Planting a cover crop mix can increase biodiversity on your farm and protect against weather extremes. Check out our increased rates for mixes below!
NEW IN 2023-2024
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We’ve raised the minimum payment for incorporated seed to $60/acre.
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The incentive payment to plant rye and mixed species is now $20/acre.
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Triticale qualifies for a $20/acre incentive.
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Drones are now an aerial seeding option.
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You must plant at least 10 acres to be eligible for our grants.
APPLY IN PERSON
Contact your local soil conservation district to arrange a time to apply for our grants. Please bring to your visit:
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Your completed Current Nutrient Management Plan Certification. This form must be signed by both the farm operator and the person who prepared your plan.
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Your completed Form W-9.
2023-2024 COVER CROP PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
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Incorporated seed qualifies for a $15/acre early planting incentive.
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Aerial seed or aerial ground seed cover crops into standing corn on or before September 10, 2023 to qualify for a $10/acre incentive payment.
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Terminate your cover crop after May 1, 2024 to qualify for a $15/acre Extended Season incentive payment.
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Plant cover crops after corn, soybeans, sorghum, tobacco, vegetables, hemp, or millet.
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Total enrolled acres may not exceed acreage managed under the operator’s Nutrient Management Plan.
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Direct deposit of cost-share grants is available.
SEED REQUIREMENTS
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All seed purchased must be tested and labeled following Maryland Seed Law and Regulations.
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Purchased 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.
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Homegrown seed with a germination rate between 65% and 79% may be used. Certain rules apply.
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Cost-share is available for seed testing.
ELIGIBLE COVER CROP SPECIES
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Cereal Grains Wheat/Spelt, Rye, Barley, Triticale, Oats, and Ryegrass
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Brassicas Forage Radish and Canola/Rape
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Legumes Clover, Austrian winter peas, and hairy vetch (must be planted with a cereal grain as part of a mix)
COVER CROP MIXES
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Two-species cover crop mixes may be planted at a rate of 50% cereal grains and 50% brassicas or legumes.
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Three species mixes (50/25/25) must contain a minimum of 50% eligible cereal grains.
PLANTING/TERMINATION DATES & LATE PLANTING EXTENSIONS
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Plant cereal grains by November 5, 2023. Some species have earlier deadlines.
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Mixes containing legumes, forage radish, canola/rape, or oats must be planted by October 1, 2023.
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The aerial seeding deadline is October 10, 2023. Some species have earlier deadlines.
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Terminate cover crops between March 1 and June 3, 2024.
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Late-planted cover crops must be planted by November 15 using an incorporated planting method and one of the following cover crops: rye, triticale, or wheat to receive $45/acre. Late-planted cover crops may not be terminated before May 1, 2024. They are not eligible for the delayed termination incentive.
FALL MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Eligible cover crops may be grazed or chopped for on farm livestock forage after becoming well-established. Manure may be applied in the fall following Maryland’s nutrient management regulations.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT
To receive payment, farmers must certify their cover crops with the local soil conservation district within one week of planting and by November 12, 2023. Late-planted cover crops must be certified by November 22, 2023. All follow-up documentation must be submitted to the local SCD by December 1, 2023 to be eligible for payment.
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.
See your soil conservation district representative or contract for details.
