The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced on March 25 the relaunch of its Infield Conservation for Operationalizing Vital Ecosystem Resilience (I-COVER) Program, aimed at promoting early establishment of cover crops using new techniques and technology. The program is funded by a $7 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service Regional Conservation Partnership Program and will run for three years, covering crops planted in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
The I-COVER program seeks to incentivize farmers and landowners who are either new adopters or are implementing innovative methods for earlier cover crop establishment. This initiative comes after a pause last summer due to uncertainty over federal funding. All previous applicants must reapply to be considered under the new funding cycle.
“Research shows cover crops strengthen soil health, reduce erosion, improve resilience during drought, and help manage pests, weeds and diseases,” said Jerry Costello II, Illinois Director of Agriculture. “This program incentivizes farmers to protect and preserve Illinois soil, which is among the most fertile in the world.”
Pre-enrollment opens online at agr.illinois.gov on April 1 at 8 a.m., with applications accepted starting April 15 until May 1. Selected applicants can receive between $61.13 per acre for winter-killed species up to $105.40 per acre for multiple spring-terminated species each year. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis by county; additional applications may be considered if funds remain available.
Applicants must provide proof of control over their land and cannot enroll acres already participating in other state or federal cover crop programs during the relevant period. Local Soil and Water Conservation District staff will verify eligibility requirements related to USDA Farm Bill standards.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture manages funding through initiatives like Partners for Conservation to support sustainable agriculture and soil conservation according to the official website (https://agr.illinois.gov/news.html). The department supports Illinois’s economy through agricultural promotion that contributes more than $51 billion annually while sustaining nearly one million jobs in food and fiber industries as reported by the official website (https://agr.illinois.gov/news.html). Facilities include locations at State Fairgrounds in Springfield as well as offices in DeKalb and DuQuoin according to information from the official website (https://agr.illinois.gov/news.html).
Operating within state government with more than 300 employees statewide managing an annual budget exceeding $100 million according to data from the official website (https://agr.illinois.gov/news.html), IDOA also provides regulatory services aimed at protecting consumers while conserving natural resources as stated on its official website (https://agr.illinois.gov/news.html). The agency serves as a key driver for economic growth through marketing efforts supporting both crop and livestock production while administering laws designed to uphold standards across agricultural sectors according to information provided by its official site (https://agr.illinois.gov/news.html).
Costello said this renewed effort reflects ongoing commitment toward improving soil health practices throughout Illinois.
