The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has announced that they will be offering financial and technical assistance to landowners interested in establishing cover crops on their land. Cover Crop incentives will be offered through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
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Many producers ask why they should plant cover crops. The first thought that comes to most minds is to reduce soil erosion during the winter months. This is true, but the benefits go way beyond that. Depending on your goals and resource concerns, a variety of species of cover crops can be planted to increase soil organic matter, capture excess nutrients, promote nitrogen fixation, provide supplemental forage, and reduce soil compaction.
The results can lead to reduced weed competition, reduced soil erosion, and increased soil tilth and filtration. All of these benefits can ultimately lead to increased crop yields and lower input costs. Cover crops can become a valuable tool to improve the health and productivity of any producers land.
If you would like to learn more on how cover crops may work on your farm please contact the NRCS office at Gallatin or call the office at 660/663-3703 (ext 3). NRCS will be accepting EQIP applications to assist with cover crops until Feb. 3.