The Atchison County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) would like to remind landowners that they are offering state cost share to apply cover crops. Planting one to two species of cover crops pays $30 per are and planting three or more species pays $40 an acre. Many species and combinations are available to use. There is a $20,000 lifetime cap for state cost share dollars. Landowners must have a signed and board approved contract before applying the cover crop.

Landowners and/or operators will need to notify Atchison SWCD two weeks prior to the end of the seeding dates. For example, turnip and oilseed radish must be applied no later than September 15 so SWCD must be notified no later than September 1. Winter cereal rye must be applied no later than November 15 so SWCD must be notified no later than November 1.

If you have met or are close to meeting the cap, there are other cover crop programs to help cover the costs. Natural Resources Conservation Service has the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Additionally, the Missouri Climate-Resilient Crop and Livestock (CRCL) Project is offering incentive payments. Details on the cover crop incentives available through the Missouri CRCL Project and online are at https://cra.missouri.edu/mo-crcl/.

No matter what program you use, applying cover crops controls erosion, improves soil health, provides weed suppression and increases biodiversity.

If you have any questions, please contact your Atchison County SWCD at 660-744-6201, ext. 3 for more information on these programs.