Farmers for Soil Health has opened enrollment for its 2026 cover crop incentive program, offering higher payments and shorter contract terms aimed at encouraging broader participation among row-crop producers.
The farmer-led initiative said enrollment will remain open through Aug. 31 for eligible growers in 20 participating states. Farmers raising corn, soybeans, wheat, grain sorghum or cotton may apply regardless of previous cover crop use.
Under the updated program, participants can receive $35 per acre annually on up to 2,000 acres. The payment rate is an increase from prior years and is intended to better reflect the costs associated with planting cover crops.
The program also reduced its contract requirement from multiple years to a one-year agreement, allowing growers to re-enroll annually.
Farmers will continue to have access to technical advisors for enrollment and conservation support. “These updates more accurately reflect on-farm costs,” said Ben West, executive director of Farmers for Soil Health.
