Farmers for Soil Health launches new incentives for growers

Farmers for Soil Health, a farmer-led initiative focused on expanding cover crop adoption, has officially opened enrollment for the 2026 program year. The program is introducing several updates designed to improve flexibility and increase value for participating growers across its 20 participating states.

Enrollment is open through Aug. 31, and farmers growing corn, soybeans, wheat, grain sorghum, or cotton are eligible to apply, regardless of their previous experience with cover crops.

One of the most significant updates for 2026 is an increase in payments. Enrolled farmers can now receive up to $35 per acre, per year, on as many as 2,000 acres throughout the life of the program. Farmers for Soil Health has also streamlined its contract structure by reducing the commitment period to one year, allowing growers to re-enroll annually on their own terms while maintaining a consistent payment rate.

Participants will continue to have access to state technical advisors who can help answer eligibility questions, guide enrollment, and support implementation of cover crop practices on the farm.

“These updates more accurately reflect on-farm costs and the agronomic value of cover crops,” said Ben West, executive director of Farmers for Soil Health. “They also reflect Farmers for Soil Health’s commitment to supporting row-crop farmers interested in adopting conservation practices that improve soil health and long-term farm resilience. By offering financial assistance that better mirrors the costs of cover crop adoption, simplifying the contract structure and maintaining technical support, the program aims to make participation more accessible for growers.”

Farmers for Soil Health is a collaboration led by the Soy Checkoff, Pork Checkoff, and National Corn Growers Association in partnership with state commodity groups and conservation organizations. The initiative is working to double the adoption of cover crops and reach 30 million U.S. acres by 2030.

The program supports farmers looking to improve soil health, water quality, and long-term farm resilience while also enhancing on-farm profitability. Incentive payments are backed through a $95 million USDA Advancing Markets for Producers initiative.

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