Category: Cover Crops

Producers with Crop Insurance to Receive Premium Benefit for Cover Crops

USDA press release

New Pandemic Cover Crop Program Helps Producers Continue Cover Crop Systems

Agricultural producers who have coverage under most crop insurance policies are eligible for a premium benefit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) if they planted cover crops during this crop year. The Pandemic Cover Crop Program (PCCP), offered by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), helps farmers maintain their cover crop systems, despite the financial challenges posed by the pandemic.

The PCCP is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, a bundle of programs to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions.

“Cultivating cover crops requires a sustained, long-term investment, and the economic challenges of the pandemic made it financially challenging for many producers to maintain cover crop systems,” said RMA Acting Administrator Richard Flournoy. “Producers use cover crops to improve soil health and gain other agronomic benefits, and this program will reduce producers’ overall premium bill to help ensure producers can continue this climates-smart agricultural practice.”

About the Premium Benefit

PCCP provides premium support to producers who insured their spring crop with most insurance policies and planted a qualifying cover crop during the 2021 crop year. The premium support is $5 per acre, but no more than the full premium owed.

Illinois, Indiana and Iowa have existing programs for producers to receive a premium benefit for planting cover crops. In these states, participating producers will receive an additional benefit.

All cover crops reportable to FSA are eligible and include cereals and other grasses, legumes, brassicas and other non-legume broadleaves, and mixtures of two or more cover crop species planted at the same time.

To receive the benefit for this program, producers must file a Report of Acreage form (FSA-578) for cover crops with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) by June 15, 2021, which is distinct from the normal acreage reporting date. The normal acreage reporting deadline with FSA has not changed, but to receive the premium benefit, producers must file by June 15. The cover crop fields reported on the Report of Acreage form must match what the producer reported to their insurance company for crop insurance policies. To file the form, producers must contact and make an appointment with their local USDA Service Center.

Program Details

Certain policies are not eligible because they have underlying coverage, which would already receive the benefit or are not designed to be reported in a manner consistent with the Report of Acreage form (FSA-578). PCCP is not available for Whole-Farm Revenue Protection, Enhanced Coverage Option, Hurricane Insurance Protection – Wind Index, and Supplemental Coverage Option. Stacked Income Protection (STAX) and Margin Protection (MP) policies are only eligible for PCCP when insured as a standalone policy. STAX and MP endorsements to underlying policies are not eligible for PCCP.

PCCP does not change acreage reporting dates, reporting requirements, or any other terms of the crop insurance policy.

Cover Crop Conservation Practice Standard

Meanwhile, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has made the determination not to update its conservation practice standard for cover crops. NRCS originally proposed restricting mechanical harvest of cover crops, but after reviewing input from agricultural producers and groups, NRCS recognizes this could present challenges for producers who use this important conservation practice. The latest version of the conservation practice standard can be found in the Field Office Technical Guide under Section IV, Conservation Practices and Supporting Documents, by State.

More Information

A Notice of Funding Availability was posted on the Federal Register today. Additional information on PCCP, including frequently asked questions, can be found at farmers.gov/pandemic-assistance/cover-crops.

RMA is authorizing additional flexibilities due to coronavirus while continuing to support producers, working through AIPs to deliver services, including processing policies, claims and agreements. RMA staff are working with AIPs and other customers by phone, mail and electronically to continue supporting crop insurance coverage for producers. Farmers with crop insurance questions or needs should continue to contact their insurance agents about conducting business remotely (by telephone or email). More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

more information here to: https://www.farmers.gov/

2021-2022 Maryland Cover Crop Sign-Up

Maryland Department of Agriculture press release

Grants To Plant Cover Crops

Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to apply for grants to help offset seed, labor, and equipment costs to plant cover crops in your fields this fall to protect water quality and build your soil’s health. Our grants can make planting cover crops very affordable!

Why Cover Crops

It’s easy to understand why cover crops are so popular. Cover crops recycle nitrogen, reduce erosion, add valuable organic matter to the soil, and can help protect fields from too much and too little rain. Isn’t it time you put cover crops to work in your fields?

New This Year…

  • The base rate to plant cover crops is $45/acre.
  • The base rate to aerial seed cover crops is $50/acre.
  • A ​$10/acre incentive is available to farmers who plant either rye or a multi-species cover crop.

Mail-in Enrollment

  • Enrollment will be conducted entirely by mail.
  • Applications will be mailed to farmers who participated in last year’s cover crop program and can be downloaded here from July 1 through July 16, 2021.
  • Completed applications must be mailed to the local soil conservation district and postmarked between July 1, 2021 and July 16, 2021.

2021-2022 Overview and Incentive Options

  • ​The base payment for incorporated seed is $45/acre. The base rate for aerial/aerial ground seeding is $50/acre.
  • Incorporated seed qualifies for a $10/acre early planting incentive.
  • Farmers who aerial seed or aerial ground seed cover crops into standing corn on or before September 10, 2021 qualify for a $10/acre incentive payment.
  • Farmers who terminate cover crops after May 1, 2022 may be eligible for an Extended Season incentive payment of up to $10/acre.
  • Incentives are available to plant rye and multi-species cover crops.
  • Plant cover crops after corn, soybeans, sorghum tobacco, vegetables, hemp and millet.
  • There is a five acre minimum. Total enrolled acres may not exceed acreage managed under the farm’s current Nutrient Management Plan.
  • Direct deposit of cost-share grants is available.

Seed Requirements

  • Purchased seed must be free of prohibited noxious weed seeds, have a minimum germination rate of 80%, and have no more than 16 restricted noxious weeds per pound.
  • Homegrown seed with a germination rate between 65% and 79% may be used. Certain rules apply.
  • Cost-share is available for seed testing.

Eligible Cover Crop Species

  • Cereal Grains: Wheat/spelt, rye, barley, triticale, oats, and ryegrass
  • Brassicas: Forage radish and canola/rape
  • Legumes:Clover, Austrian winter peas and hairy vetch (must be planted with a cereal grain as part of a mix)

Cover Crop Mixes

  • New this year, incentives are available for planting mixes.
  • Two-species cover crop mixes may be planted at a rate of 50 percent cereal grains and 50 percent brassicas or legumes.
  • Three-species mixes (50/25/25) must contain a minimum of 50 percent eligible cereal ​grains.

Planting and Termination Dates

  • Plant cereal grains by November 5, 2021. Some species have earlier deadlines.
  • Mixes containing legumes, forage radish, canola/rape, or oats must be planted by October 1, 2021.
  • The aerial seeding deadline for cover crops is October 10, 2021. Some species have earlier deadlines.
  • Terminate cover crops between March 1 and June 1, 2022.

Fall Management Options

  • ​​Eligible cover crops may be grazed or chopped for on-farm livestock forage after becoming well established.
  • Manure may be applied in fall following Maryland’s nutrient management regulations.

Certification Requirement

  • To receive payment, farmers must certify cover crops with their soil conservation district within one week of planting and no later than November 12, 2021.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Participants must be in good standing with MACS and in compliance with Maryland’s nutrient management regulations.
  • A current Nutrient Management Plan Certification is required and must be submitted with the application.
  • Additional restrictions may apply.

​The Cover Crop Program is administered by the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share Program and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. See your soil conservation district representative or contract for details.

 

 

 

Maryland Crop Report: May 2021

Reports are for crop conditions up to May 6, 2021

Western Maryland

The weather here has been a little dry. Soil moisture levels are adequate but more rain would be welcome once the corn is planted. Triticale harvest is rushing to a conclusion to make way for manure tankers followed closely by the corn planter. Full season soybeans are also being planted and the first of the alfalfa is being mowed. Wheat is looking good and barley is in full head. Hopefully May will bring more showers than April did. —Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Northern Maryland

Corn and full season soybean planting has been in full swing for about two weeks now. The weather and soil conditions have been great. We were starting to get slightly dry but some timely showers this week brought some needed moisture. Corn and soybeans that have emerged look very good. Barley is heading out, triticale has been cut, and wheat varieties are between boot and heading. Right now head blight risk is low in our region, but that can change quickly so don’t fall asleep on it!—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Eastern Shore

Barley is in stage 10.1 – 10.5 and looks good. Wheat is in stage 10 – 10.1 and also looks good. Corn and soybean planting is moving along rapid and smooth. Soil conditions have been ideal since planting started. Early planted corn and beans are germinating and emerging without too many issues. We are off to a good start. There have been a few acres of hay cut and baled. Most of the rest will be cut in the next few dry days. —Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Eastern Shore

Wheat is in boot stage or starting to head. Cover crops have been mostly terminated. Growers are spreading poultry manure and some lime. There has been more tillage than normal this spring, as wet conditions during harvest last fall caused ruts in fields. 10-20% of corn acreage has been planted. Weather has been relatively favorable these last couple of weeks for planting, although scattered rains have prevented some fields from drying out. A few farmers have started planting soybean, with much more acreage anticipated for next week.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

The region has experienced good planting conditions over the last couple of weeks. Corn planting progress is still a bit behind schedule with cooler soils limiting the number of early-planted acres. We have earlier planted soybeans this year as well. Germination and plant stands for both crops look good. Recent rains have made for ideal conditions for slugs. Farmers are keeping a careful eye out especially in no-till fields with heavy crop residue. Wheat is at the late boot to early heading stage. Farmers will be evaluating the need for a head scab fungicide in the next week. Insect and disease pressure has been light so far. Forage crops look great this spring. Alfalfa weevil were active very early this year and many fields required treatment. Pyrethroid resistance in alfalfa weevil is common in our area. First cutting of cool season grasses is underway. Tobacco transplants are ready to go to the field this week.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

 

2020 Cover Crop Planting Deadline Extended–Again

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has extended the Cover Crop Program planting deadline to December 1st. Due to the continued rainfall and excessively wet field conditions across the state. Qualifying cover crops include wheat, spelt, rye, and triticale.
If you plant cover crops between November 13 and December 1, you will still qualify for financial support, but suppression/kill down may not take place before May 1, 2021.
The planting extension is only available to farmers who use the following planting methods: no till, conventional, or broadcast with light minimum, or vertical tillage.
Cover crop planting should be reported within one week of planting and no later than December 8th.
Contact your local soil conservation district for questions.
Read the full press release here.

Maryland Crop Update: November 2020

Western Maryland

Much needed moisture graced the valley this past week but is being followed by strong winds which are giving some pause as we race to get the remaining corn and beans harvested. The cover crops and cereals that have been planted are off to a good start as well. It is just about time to blow off the equipment, grease it and rinse the sprayer for the final time before buttoning things up for the winter. The manure spreaders and tankers will continue to get out the last of the stores before the December cut off as nobody wants to go into winter with any extra manure hanging around. After a good winter’s nap we look forward to spring. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all!—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

After a rainy, cloudy, and windy transition from October to November, the sun is making more of an appearance, and slightly warmer weather is predicted moving into next week. Most corn and soybean fields have been harvested, with a few still standing. Cover crop planting is well underway. Even though we’ve had some colder weather, it’s been warm enough for those winter annual weeds (i.e. chickweed, henbit, and deadnettle) to grow well, so be sure to scout your fields if going into small grains.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

In the last two weeks we have had some rains, heavy dews, and fog that has slowed an otherwise early harvest. Soybean harvest is just now starting to pick back up since last report. Full season soybean yields continue to be very impressive. Corn harvest is about 70% complete; moisture has been stubbornly high. Overall, yields are down from 2019, but the later planted corn and later maturing varieties are yielding strong. Cover crops have emerged very well with the moisture we had in October. 2021 wheat and barley planting for grain is approximately half finished.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

Wet, wetter, wettest, etc. It has been the wettest and most humid October that I can remember. Harvest has been difficult and stressful. Corn harvest is almost complete, but soybean harvest has been in the starting stage for 3 weeks. Hopefully by the time this is published, combines are rolling thru bean fields. Early yield reports are phenomenal and hopefully continues. Early planted cover crops looks great, with the exception of being nitrogen deficient. This year, it didn’t seem to matter how it was planted, it emerged and started growing in record time. There is very little commodity barley and wheat planted, but that should change this week. There are going to be many cut up/compacted fields this year.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Corn is 90% harvested with slightly below average yields. Soybean harvest was delayed due to a rainy couple of weeks and very saturated soils. This week’s conditions have dried out to the point where growers are beginning to resume soybean harvest. We have had frosts in some areas. Cover crop seeding was also delayed in many fields due to very saturated conditions.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Shore

Season Wrap-Up—“I’ve said it once and now I’ll say it again—I need a taller pair of boots”. Those are my exact words from the fall 2018 season wrap-up. It seems I may need to upgrade to hip waders after 2020. The region received record rainfall over the last several months and it just won’t quit. Producers are still struggling to get corn off, with moisture remaining high, stalk rots causing significant lodging, and pictures of combines stuck up to their axles an all too common site. Soybean harvest is finally underway, though fields remain wet and hard to navigate. Small grain planting is behind schedule as well. This week should allow farmers to catch up on some acres with drier conditions in the short-term forecast.

In general, this season has resulted in good to very good yields for corn with prospects for very good soybeans yield as well. The season started with a series of late frost holding back planting. Those same frosts caused significant damage to an otherwise healthy wheat crop. Crops grew well through June, but faced a few weeks of hot and dry conditions in late June and early July, followed by scattered showers in late July. That all changed in August when remnants of hurricane Isaias dropped double-digit rainfall totals in many areas. Rains have continued through November. Corn and beans have been slow to dry down and as mentioned before the harvest has been a challenge. On the brighter side- duck season comes in soon. Maybe those hip-waders will come in handy if the water does not recede shortly.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

 

 

Evaluating Drone-Seeded Cover Crops

Erika Crowl and Andrew Kness
University of Maryland Extension

Recent interest has been generated in using drones to seed cover crops into agronomic crops in small, irregularly shaped fields with rolling terrain or those fields otherwise not suitable for aerial seeding using a fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter. However, little is known about how effective drones are at seeding cover crops and if they can deliver seed at the appropriate rate to establish a sufficient cover crop. In order to evaluate cover crop stand establishment seeded via drones, we conducted an on-farm trial with support from the Maryland Soybean Board.

A cover crop of radish was flown on to a 26 acre standing corn field in Baltimore County, MD on August 27, 2020 at the rate of 16 pounds of pure live seed per acre using a HSE-TTA drone equipped with a spin spreader capable of carrying 40 lbs of seed. The field was an excellent candidate for this trial because of its irregular shape, rolling terrain, and close proximity to power lines and wood lines (Figure 1). Corn grain was harvested on September 15, 2020 and cover crop establishment was measured on October 21, 2020 by counting the number of radish plants per square foot in a one square foot area at 20 random locations across the field. The average cover crop plant population in the field was 3.1 plants/ft2, with a minimum of 0 and maximum of 6. Radish plants averaged 5 inches in height at the time of rating.

field seeded with radish cover crop
Figure 1. Field location of drone-seeded cover crop (outlined in red). Image: Google Maps (bottom).

Canopy density was calculated using the Canopeo© application for smartphones (Oklahoma State University Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Stillwater, OK; www.canopeoapp.com). Images were captured at 20 random locations across the field at a height of 2.5 feet above the ground and percentage green canopy was calculated by the Canopeo software (Figure 2). Average canopy coverage was 39.1%, with a minimum and maximum value of 20.3 and 53%, respectively.

field seeded with radish cover crop
Figure 2. Unedited image (left) and percentage canopy cover image (right) calculated by Canopeo software showing 31% coverage.

Aerial establishment of cover crops is heavily influenced by soil moisture availability. August and early September saw sufficient rainfall in the region, contributing to conducive conditions for cover crop establishment. These data, representing only one field and one environment, demonstrate the potential that aerial seeding a radish cover crop with drones may be an effective method for establishing cover crops in these challenging fields. Future work will be done to replicate and gather additional data so that we can fully understand the feasibility of seeding cover crops with drones.

Acknowledgements: We would like to thank A-1 Aerials, K Drone Services, Graystone Farm, and the Maryland Soybean Board for supporting this work.

 

Deadline for Planting Cover Crops Extended to Nov. 12

Maryland Department of Agriculture press release

Due to wet conditions across many parts of the state, the Maryland Department of Agriculture has extended the November 5 planting deadline by one week for farmers who signed up for grants to plant fall cover crops through the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program. Farmers now have until November 12 to plant qualifying cover crops of wheat, spelt, rye, and triticale in their fields.

The extension is only available to farmers who use the following planting methods: no till, conventional, or broadcast with light, minimum, or vertical tillage. With the extension, farmers must certify their cover crop with their local soil conservation district within one week of planting and no later than November 19 in order to be reimbursed for associated seed, labor, and equipment costs.

Cover crops are cereal grains that grow in cool weather. As they grow, cover crops provide a protective cover against erosion and nutrient runoff while building the soil’s organic matter for the next year’s crop. Cover crops are widely considered one of the most cost-effective and environmentally-sustainable ways to protect water quality in local streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay.

Maryland’s Cover Crop Program is administered by the MACS Program and the state’s 24 soil conservation districts. Funding is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. For more information, farmers should contact their local soil conservation district or the MACS Program’s office at 410-841-5864.

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: October 2020

Reports are for crop conditions up to October 6, 2020.

Western Maryland

Soybeans and corn are being harvested with wheat and cover crops being planted as soon as combines leave the fields. Manure is also covering many fields planted with cover crops. Welcome rains of early September have been followed by another dry spell. Hopefully the clouds of October will be more generous with their moisture.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

The cooler weather has been a welcome change from this summer. September’s rain amounts and locations were scattered across the region. Corn grain harvest has begun. Soybean fields are drying down, with some ready to be harvested in the next couple weeks. It’s not too early to start thinking about weed control for next season, especially if dealing with herbicide resistant weeds like marestail. If planting a small grain, be sure to start clean and stay clean!—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

We were a tad dry in September and recent rains have been welcome. Corn harvest has been occurring for approximately 3 weeks now, although not at full force until the last few days. Corn yields are certainly down compared to last year’s record numbers; probably 10-20% lower. Even with that said, corn yields are better than anticipated considering how dry June/July was. Full season soybeans are drying down quickly and what’s been harvested so far has yielded exceptionally well. The double crop beans do not look nearly as promising, as a dry July severely inhibited establishment and dry September reduced pod set/bean size. Cover crop establishment has been good and the 2021 wheat and barley crop are going in the ground smoothly.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

Corn harvest is around half complete. Dryland yields are well above average, and may end up near all time highs. Irrigated yields are off 10-15%- probably due to too many cloudy, humid, hazy, poor light quality days.  Soybean harvest is just beginning. Beans look really good. It’s still too early to predict yield, but we definitely grew a tremendous amount of forage. Early planted cover crops are off to a great start. Small grain planting is just beginning.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Harvest is underway. Approximately 25% of corn has been harvested. Corn yield reports are 125 plus or minus bushels per acre. Sorghum is also ready to be harvested. Soybean harvest has not yet begun, although fields are now beginning to reach full maturity. We had a 2-3” rain event last week, which prevented entry to fields for several days. So far, the weather has been sunny and breezy this week, helping to dry crops down. Palmer amaranth is apparent in some fields, and we urge growers to harvest these fields last and thoroughly clean equipment to prevent the spread of seed. The planting of fall cover crops is underway.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Sunny conditions this week are finally allowing for good progress on corn harvest.  Corn moisture levels are stubbornly running around 18-22% and saturated ground has made corn harvest a challenge this year. We continue to see a fair amount of ear rot issues. Cover crop planting is behind schedule as farmers struggle to get corn in. Soybean harvest has not yet begun, but there are some really good-looking soybean fields. We expect excellent double crop beans and a very good full season crop. The drier weather has provided some opportunities for getting in dry hay. We continue to struggle with orchardgrass persistence in this area. Fields that looked picture perfect in the spring and early summer are now looking more like fields of weeds with patches of crabgrass and the majority of orchardgrass gone. We have some work to do to figure out the persistence issue or rely more heavily on other species. Vegetable harvest is winding up. The pumpkin and cucurbit crop was hurt by heavy rainfall.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

Soil Health Grant Available to Farmers

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting applications for the Farming for Healthy Soil Program. This three-year program begins this fall and provides financial assistance to farmers for implementing soil health practices on their farm. All livestock and crop (including grain, forage, fruit, and vegetables) farms are eligible for this program. Approved soil health practices include conservation tillage/residue management, multi-species cover crop mixtures, extended season cover crops, prescribed grazing, and precision nutrient management. Practices must be new to the farm; for example, adopting a practice never used on site before or changing from a one species cover crop to a two species cover crop.

Rates range from $10 to $55 per acre. Fields eligible for the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost Share (MACS) Cover Crop Program can receive financial assistance from this grant in addition to the MACS funding; however, MACS enrolled fields must be extended season (planted before October 1 and terminated after May 1) or multi-species cover crops. The maximum funding per participating producer is $5,000 annually. Farmers must be in compliance with MDA programs (i.e. nutrient management) in order to participate.

Farmers are expected to commit up to three years of practice implementation on the same field(s). Soil samples will be taken this fall and again in the fall of 2022 to compare before and after practice implementation. Soil samples will also be taken in adjacent or nearby fields which have not had soil health practices to serve as control fields. University of Maryland Extension Agriculture Agents will be collecting the soil samples for farms in Western and Central Maryland.

The application form should be submitted to Kevin Antoszewski, MDA Healthy Soils Program Coordinator, at kevin.antoszewski@maryland.gov. For questions, contact Kevin (email is preferred, but a voicemail can be left at 410-841-5866) or Kelly Nichols, University of Maryland Extension Ag Agent, at 301-600-3577 or kellyn@umd.edu.