- The Cumberland County Conservation District’s Cover Crop Incentive Program offers incentive payments to farmers who plant cover crops. The program started in 2006 and had over 100 farmers participate in the 2024-2025 program and was able to fund over 5,000 acres of a wheat, rye, barley, or triticale cover crop. There were over 11,000 acres of cover crops enrolled in our program in 2024-2025.
Cover Crop Benefits
Cover crops improve soil health, control weeds and pests, and protect local streams from sediment and nutrient runoff over winter.
Program Guidelines
- Must be no-till or minimum till
- Cover crop must be over winter
- May be single or multi-species
- Farms will be inspected for compliance of Ch. 91 and Ch. 102
- May be terminated or harvested after April 1 of each year
How to Apply
Deadline to apply is December 1, of each year.
- Farmers interested in applying or needing more information, please contact Rachel Zimmerman.
- New participants must call to schedule a meeting.
- Repeat participants can call to schedule or come to signup days:
- September 26th, 8am – 2pm @ CCCD Office, 310 Allen Road Carlisle
- October 3rd, 8am – 12pm @ North Newton Township Park, 528 Oakville Rd Shippensburg
- November 20th, 8am – 2pm @ CCCD Office, 310 Allen Road Carlisle
- November 21st, 8am – 2pm @ CCCD Office, 310 Allen Road Carlisle