2011-2012 Winter Cover Crop Program
The Maryland Department of Agriculture's (MDA) Winter Cover Crop Program provides farmers with attractive grants to plant cover crops on their fields immediately following the summer crop harvest of corn, sorghum, soybeans, vegetables, or tobacco. This year, approximately $15 million in cover crop funding is available to farmers through the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program. Farmers may plant traditional cover crops at a base rate of $45/acre and receive up to $55/acre in add-on incentives for using hightly valued planting practives. Cover crops that are harvested pay $25/acre with a bonus payment of $10/acre for planting rye. Certain Restrictions apply.
Why Plant Cover Crops?
Traditional Cover Crops- Traditional cover crops may not be harvested. However, they may be grazed or chopped for livestock forage for on-farm use after becoming well established. Kill-down/suppression may occur at any time after March 15, 2012, but no later than June 1, 2012.
Commodity Cover Crops- This program option is available to farmers who want to harvest their cover crops. Farmers must indicate the number of acres they plan to harvest at enrollment.
Fertilizer use: After March 1, 2012
Certification with SCD: Within one week of planting and no later than November 15, 2011.