Now is the time to apply for cost-share assistance on cover crops for the FALL 2019 SEASON. Preliminary site visits to determine eligibility will need to be made, so the applications need to be submitted fairly soon to allow time for scheduling visits.
The applications are funded on a 1st come, 1st serve basis and funds are limited, so the early bird will have a better chance in getting the bird seed cost-shared.
The practice standards for cover crops go into more depth about requirements, see below for the guidelines on cover crops.
- Visit office to submit application
- site visits to determine eligibility
- applicant receives notification that application is approved
- cover crop is sown by broadcasting, drilling or flying on between 8/15 & 10/15
- applicant submits invoices for seed, with species & lbs to SCD office
- site visits to certify right seed/place/time
- payment application is generated & applicant receives a check for eligible expenses
Cover crops shall be aerially seeded or drilled into existing residue.
Incentive payments for cover crops shall not exceed 75% of the project cost (including specialized equipment costs). Cooperators sowing cover crops will be eligible to receive $25 per acre for planting two or more species (of their own choosing), or $35 per acre for planting an official NRCS “soil health mix”. They will be paid an incentive of the appropriate rate above or 75% of their total bills, whichever is less. Harvesting, haying or grazing will be allowed on custom-mixed cover crop practices, after April 1st. Acreage sowed with an official NRCS “soil health mix” must follow NRCS specifications as it pertains to harvesting and/or grazing the cover crop. Seeding rates and dates for custom-mixed cover crops can be either that specified in the NRCS Conservation Plan or in accordance with the University of Tennessee Publication PB 378. Seeding rates and dates for official NRCS “soil health mixes” must adhere to NRCS specifications.
If you have any questions, you may contact our office (931.368.0252 x 3) or nancyl.holt@usda.gov – this cost share is available in many counties. Feel free to share to anyone that might be interested.
The ARCF provides cost share assistance to Tennessee landowners to install Best Management Practices (BMPs) for conservation work on farms for the purpose of soil and water quality.
oper erosion and sedimentation control, soils can be lost from croplands and reduce future productivity. Soils carried from fields in runoffs can also degrade streams and other receiving waters. Approved applications will receive 75-85% assistance for the installation of conservation smart practices!
