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Kentucky Cover Crop

Kentucky offers several programs to support the adoption of cover crops, providing financial and technical assistance to enhance soil health and water quality. Here are some key initiatives:

 

1. Kentucky Soil Erosion and Water Quality Cost Share Program

  • Overview: This program assists agricultural operations in implementing practices that protect soil and water resources, including cover crops.

  • Eligibility: Kentucky landowners addressing soil erosion or water quality issues.

  • Benefits: Cost-share rates cover up to 75% of the actual installation cost, not exceeding $20,000 per year.

  • Application Process: Applications are accepted continuously and ranked annually based on statewide criteria.

  • More Information: Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet - State Cost Share

 

2. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

  • Overview: Administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), EQIP provides financial and technical assistance for conservation practices, including cover crops.

  • Eligibility: Agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers.

  • Benefits: Financial assistance for implementing conservation practices tailored to specific land needs.

  • Application Process: Applications are accepted year-round; however, specific ranking dates apply for funding considerations.

  • More Information: Kentucky Environmental Quality Incentives Program

 

3. Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

  • Overview: CSP helps producers build on existing conservation efforts, offering support for advanced practices like multi-species cover crops.

  • Eligibility: Producers already engaged in conservation activities seeking to enhance their efforts.

  • Benefits: Annual payments for implementing and maintaining conservation practices.

  • Application Process: Continuous sign-ups with specific ranking periods; contracts are for five years with renewal opportunities.

  • More Information: Kentucky Conservation Stewardship Program

 

4. Shelby County Conservation District Programs

  • Overview: Offers local cost-share programs, including a cover crop initiative providing financial assistance per acre.

  • Eligibility: Shelby County residents with a Farm Number.

  • Benefits: $20 per acre for up to 50 acres, not exceeding $1,000 per landowner.

  • Application Process: Applications are processed through the local conservation district.

  • More Information: Shelby County Conservation District Programs

 

5. Kentucky Climate-Smart Cereal Rye Cover Crop Initiative

  • Overview: Aims to reintroduce rye as a commercial and cover crop, promoting diverse rotations and soil health.

  • Eligibility: Kentucky farmers interested in integrating cereal rye into their cropping systems.

  • Benefits: Support through producer incentives and market expansion efforts.

  • Application Process: Details are available through the initiative’s managing organizations.

  • More Information: Kentucky Climate-Smart Cereal Rye Cover Crop Initiative

 

These programs collectively support Kentucky’s agricultural community in adopting cover crops, enhancing environmental quality, and promoting sustainable farming practices. We will keep this page updated as new programs are released.

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