SCD approves $4.42 million cover crop program

The Sussex Conservation District board of supervisors voted to approve the annual cover crop cost-share program at their Aug. 27 board meeting.

“Just over $4.42 million in funding for the cover crop program is available to reach a goal of 85,000 acres of cover crops to be planted in Sussex County this fall,” said Debbie Absher, director of agricultural programs at SCD. 

The cover crop program received 292 applications with more than 190,000 acres enrolled. This year, producers enrolled over 4,800 more acres in the cover crop program than last year.

“This program is a win-win for everyone – our producers benefit from improved soil health and our waterways are cleaner because cover crops hold soil and nutrients in place over winter,” said David Baird, SCD district coordinator.  

Many farmers are already realizing the benefits of planting cover crops through increased soil health and organic matter. Over time, this leads to better soil structure and stability, as well as nutrient cycling and moisture-holding capacity. These properties improve water quality by increasing nutrient uptake and improving infiltration while reducing erosion and sediment runoff. Producers also report lower operating costs after implementing cover crops. 

Funding for SCD’s cover crop cost-share program is provided by Sussex County Council, the Delaware General Assembly through the Delaware Department of Agriculture – Nutrient Management Commission, and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control – Conservation Cost Share Program, Non-Point Source Program and Chesapeake Bay Programs.

For more information on SCD’s cover crop cost-share program, call 302-856-3990, Ext. 3, or visit sussexconservation.org.