Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

Cover Crop Incentive Program Sign Up Underway

Farmers, if you want to improve soil health on your farm, minimize runoff concerns, or work another crop into your rotation, consider participating in the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District cover crop cost-share incentive program with Holmes Soil & Water Conservation District. Acres can be drilled, broadcast or flown on through a coordinated aerial application program (currently scheduled for September 3 & 4).  

Producers also have the option to utilize a drone to access small or hard-to-reach fields, try different seed blends, or seed at a different date than our traditional aerial seeding date. With several local contractors to utilize for drone seeding, the cost share applies, but Holmes SWCD will not be coordinating the seeding.

Holmes SWCD is taking applications for this program now.  Qualifying acres will earn cost-share of $12/acre. Participants will receive cost-share on a maximum of 175 acres. Soil tests results (dated no earlier than April 2022) must be submitted for every 25 acres of cost-shared fields. Soil tests can be taken after getting approved for cost-share, but must be submitted prior to payment, along with seed tags and seed invoices. Points will be awarded for submitted nutrient records. These include written notes or forms indicating manure or fertilizer applications; use of an electronic app such as OnMRK, records from a custom applicator, or similar.

The cost-share incentive programs are funded by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. MWCD sponsors the program in the counties within its jurisdiction, with the goal of reducing nutrients and sediment in streams and lakes through soil health practices.

Contact Darby Sherman at 330-674-2811, ext. 3 or email holmes.swcd@gmail.com for more information. Options for sign-up include in-office appointments, completing paperwork by mail or email, or we can set up a farm visit. All applications must be received by July 3, 2025.