Navigating Cover Crop Cost Share Programs

As increased attention is paid to carbon scoring and regenerative agriculture, more producers continue to implement or expand cover crops on their acres. Those who are searching to offset some of the initial cost of establishing cover crops, often consider enrolling in cost share programs, or programs that pay for carbon sequestered. While the vast majority of these programs can be very beneficial to the grower, and the environment, they do add an additional layer of complexity.

Not all programs have the same requirements. Seed suppliers deal with hundreds of customers that receive some cost share each year. Across these hundreds of projects, there are dozens of different rules and requirements. As such, our policy is that the farmer is the one responsible for verifying that his or her seed will meet the requirements of their program!

There are many common requirements for programs. Most programs require certain application rates (often in Pure Live Seed pounds*) that may vary depending on the method the seed is applied. Each species often has a certain range of dates that it is allowed to be applied, which changes by latitude. Some programs require species that over winter, or multiple species of cover crops on the same field. Select programs can require the use of a small grain or higher rates for livestock grazing. Certain "enhanced practice" programs require more diverse mixes or a specific application method.

As there are so many variables that could impact if a field maintains it's eligibility to receive funds, we encourage producers to plan ahead and connect with both their seed supplier and program administrator. At MGF, we like to be able to have a discussion with a producer about their goals, and then create a potential plan for that producer. Then we send an email to both the producer and program administrator to make sure that they plan will meet all the criteria and be acceptable!

Most cost share programs require extra time and effort to ensure that the seed required is available. Most program rates require PLS. Pure Live Seed is different in each lot of a product, as it takes in to account the purity and germination of that lot, to know exactly how many seeds are expected to grow. Knowing that fields are in cost shar is a huge key in making sure that we make can make a plan that meets requirements!

If Joe Farmer simply tells us, "I need oats for 50 acres and rye for 50 acres." We often default to a bushel and a half of oats and a bushel of rye per acre, so 75 bushel of oats ($900) and 50 bushels of rye ($750). However, if we find out that Joe is in a cost share program, he may need to switch to follow cost share guidelines which can require a minimum of 60PLS pounds of oats ($1200) and only require 30PLS of cereal rye ($442).

We are happy to work with you to develop plans to fit your goals and meet any requirements! Just make sure to let us know that you are participating in cost share, so that we can learn the requirements specific to your operation, so that you can get approval and a plan in place!