Program Highlights:
Up to $105/acre in cost-share for qualifying applicants
Fall reimbursement option
One application for traditional and commodity cover crop programs
Select harvest acres in spring
Co-Cost share through federal CBWI program
Guidelines and Conditions
Farmers may use a single application to apply for both the Traditional Cover Crop Program and the Commodity Cover Crop Program.
Cover crops may follow a corn, soybean, sorghum, tobacco or vegetable harvest.
Barley, canola, rapeseed, kale, rye, ryegrass, spring oats, triticale and wheat may be used as cover crops. The planting deadline is November 5, 2011.
All seed purchased for cover crops must be tested and properly labeled in accordance with Maryland Seed Law and Regulations. Seed must be free of prohibited noxious weed seeds, have a minimum germination rate of 80 percent and have no more than 16 restricted noxious weeds per pound. If homegrown seed is used, it must be tested prior to planting for purity, germination and noxious weeds by a Maryland or Delaware seed laboratory.
Cost-share funds for seed testing will be provided at 50 percent (up to $15). The current year's seed tag for all purchased seed must be attached to the fall certification.
Applicants must be in good standing with MACS and in compliance with nutrient management requirements.
Traditional Cover Crop Program Overview
Farmers may enroll unlimited acres in the Traditional Cover Crop Program. Traditional cover crops may not be harvested; however, they may be grazed or chopped for livestock forage for on-farm use after becoming well established.
Manure Restrictions No commercial nutrients may be applied before March 1, 2011. Animal waste may be used if certain conditions are met.
Traditional Cover Crop Planting Deadlines and Payment Schedule
Planting deadline is November 5, 2010. (Incentives are available for early planting.)
Fall certification with the soil conservation district must take place within one week after the planting deadline.
Kill down/suppression may occur any time after March 1, 2012, but no later than June 1, 2012.
Farmers may receive partial reimbursement following fall certification, with the remainder payable in the spring.
Commodity Cover Crop Program Overview
A Commodity Cover Crop Program is available to farmers who want to harvest their cover crops.
Manure Restrictions No animal waste or commercial nutrients may be applied before March 1, 2012.
Commodity Crop Planting Deadlines and Payment Schedule
Plant by November 5, 2010: $25/acre.
$10 per acre bonus for planting rye.
Fall certification with the soil conservation district must take place within one week after the planting deadline.
Farmers will be reimbursed following fall certification.
Farmers may wait until spring to determine which of their enrolled fields they will retain for harvest.
Spring certification indicating harvest intentions must be filed with the soil conservation district by June 1, 2012.
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COVER CROP INFORMATION LINKS:
 MDA Cover Crop Program
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