Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is launching the fifth year of its "Fall Covers for Spring Savings" program. This initiative allows participants to pre-enroll by entering and validating their information starting December 4, 2023, at 8:00 A.M. CST. Applications will be accepted from December 15, 2023, at 8:00 A.M. until January 15, 2024, at 11:59 P.M.

The program allocates a total of 140,000 acres for the upcoming year. Last year, this acreage limit was reached in less than a day with over 182,688 acres requested before the application period closed. The funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

"The ‘Fall Covers for Spring Savings' program provides a ‘jump start' to initiate what may be a new practice for some producers," said Jerry Costello II, Illinois Director of Agriculture. He highlighted benefits such as improved soil health and reduced erosion.

John Kim, Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, noted that "Illinois' participation in the U.S. Gulf Hypoxia Task Force made it possible for the state to enroll an additional 40,000 acres in 2023." He expressed excitement about offering extra acreage again in 2024.

Eligible participants can receive up to $5 per acre discount on next year's crop insurance premium based on individual policies if they enroll cover crop acres verified through this program. Certification from local Farm Service Agency offices and necessary documentation like FSA-578 and federal crop insurance policy numbers are required.

The discount aims to encourage more cover crops beyond existing state or federal incentives. The IDOA will verify eligible acres using various tools and forward confirmed applications to the USDA-RMA for processing premium discounts on crop insurance invoices.

Pre-enrollment and application forms are available online until January 15, 2024. Additional details can be obtained by contacting IDOA directly.