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Farmers looking for an incentive payment to plant fall cover crops in Lycoming County have a few options to consider. Those looking for money for this fall's cover crop plantings can enroll in the Lycoming County Conservation District's cover crop program. Those looking for ongoing financial assistance can submit an application for the USDA NRCS's EQIP and/or CSP programs. Both programs have an enrollment deadline of Nov. 1.
According to a news release, the Lycoming County Conservation District's program will pay $50 per acre to farmers who have not planted cover crops in the past for a single species cover crop. Those who have planted cover crops in the past can still receive a payment of $35 per acre, but they must plant two additional species of cover crops in addition to the number of cover crop species that they planted previously. Cover crop needs planted by Nov. 1 and achieve 50% ground cover before its termination in the spring in order to receive payment. The program will not pay for grains harvested as a commodity crop.
The EQIP and/or CSP programs must apply in fall of 2023. Applications will be ranked and scored, and those offered contract funds will be targeting the fall of 2024 for planting those cover crops through the USDA programs, the news release said. Payment rates for fiscal year 2024 are not finalized, but current fiscal year (2023) contract rates were $63.79 for a single species cover crop and $79.39 for a multispecies cover crop.
If you are interested in the Lycoming County Conservation District's cover crop program can call Rod Morehart at 570-329-1619. Those interested in the USDA NRCS' EQIP and/or CSP programs can call Ryan Koch at 570-433-5101. Deadline for both signup periods is Nov. 1.