Farmers for Soil Health, a farmer-led program focused on expanding cover crop adoption, has opened 2026 enrollment, introducing new incentives aimed at enhancing the program and delivering greater value to growers across participating states. The enrollment period is open until August 31.

Any corn, soybean, wheat, grain sorghum or cotton farmer operating within the 20 participating states is eligible to enroll, regardless of cover crop history. Enrolled farmers can benefit from an updated payment structure that increases the rate to $35 per acre, per year, on up to 2,000 acres for the duration of the program.

In addition, the contract structure has been streamlined by reducing the contract period to one year. This reduced contract period gives farmers the flexibility to re-enroll on their own terms and at a consistent payment rate. 

Farmers will continue to have access to state technical advisors who can help them understand eligibility, navigate enrollment, and successfully implement new or existing practices. 

“These updates more accurately reflect on-farm costs and the agronomic value of cover crops,” said Ben West, executive director of Farmers for Soil Health. “They also reflect Farmers for Soil Health’s commitment to supporting row-crop farmers interested in adopting conservation practices that improve soil health and long-term farm resilience. By offering financial assistance that better mirrors the costs of cover crop adoption, simplifying the contract structure and maintaining technical support, the program aims to make participation more accessible for growers.”

Farmers can learn more about eligibility and enroll at FarmersforSoilHealth.com/enrollment. 

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This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number NR233A750004G003. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition, any reference to specific brands or types of products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for those products or services.