The Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program received a funding boost, increasing the acreage from 100,000 to 150,000. The additional $300,000 in funding is a positive sign of the state’s commitment to supporting the program, according to Eliot Clay, the land use programs director with the Illinois Environmental Council. Farmers who participate in the program receive a $5-an-acre subsidy on their crop insurance for planting cover crops, which helps with soil erosion, organic matter, and fertilizer runoff. Molly Pickering, deputy director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, highlights the benefits of cover crops as a conservation practice, despite the investment of time and money required by farmers.
The program is set to open applications for the 2025 season later this year. Illinois Director of Agriculture Jerry Costello is hopeful for continued support from the federal government through Gulf Hypoxia Task force monies to increase even more acres of cover crops. The program aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices that benefit both the environment and farmers. This funding boost is seen as a step in the right direction towards achieving these goals. Stay tuned for more updates on the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program and its impact on conservation efforts in Illinois.
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