Cover Crop Cost-Share

Privately funded cost-share and carbon/ outcomes program payments are NOT stackable on acres enrolled in PFI's cover crop cost-share. 

Acres enrolled in carbon programs or privately funded cost-share programs are not eligible for PFI cost-share on the same acres- even if the program is not paying for cover crops. For most programs, you can be enrolled in both programs, just not paid on the same acres. 

It is okay with PFI if you enroll in both PFI's cost-share and a different privately funded outcomes program, so long as the same fields are not enrolled in both programs. For example, if you have 100 acres of cover crops, you can enroll 50 in the PFI program and 50 with the other privately funded program. If you are unsure of stackability, please reach out! 

Advancing Markets for Producers (formerly Climate Smart Commodities) program payments are stackable at the $10/acre payment level in the PFI program. Commonly stacked AMP programs include Farmers for Soil Health, Missouri CRCL, and U.S. Pork Sustainability Grant (in partnership with Ducks Unlimited). 

 Federal or state cost-share program payments such as EQIP or CSP are stackable on PFI's cover crop cost-share. Stacking PFI cost-share on public programs is encouraged! 

Nope! You're encouraged to apply before you seed your cover crop. Applications can be submitted before or after the cover crop is seeded. Estimated cover crop acres are acceptable at enrollment. You will confirm the final number of cover cropped acres in the wrap-up survey in November or December.  

No, PFI's cover crop cost-share is not a carbon credit program. The companies that fund the program are interested in making their corn and soybean supply chains more sustainable, which involves supporting farmers who implement cover crops. The funders are counting the “good” of the cover crop toward Scope3 emissions reductions.

The program funders do not buy organic corn or soybeans, so to be eligible, only non-organic land is eligible. Acres transitioning to organic are eligible.

Applicants can opt in to a payment rate depending on what documentation they want to provide to verify their cover crops. More documentation is required for the higher rate; thus, we want to compensate individuals with more cost-share for the extra time spent.

Yes, contracts are non-binding and applicants can cancel at any time. However, within the program year, contracts must be canceled by Dec. 1. After that point, payments are processed, and any contracts previously signed will receive payment.

Due to the reach of the program, all paperwork is completed electronically. Applications and surveys can be completed over the phone for additional assistance but are not mailed. Mailing exceptions for contracts are made on a case-by-case basis.

We have two hard deadlines – Applications are due Nov. 1, 2025 (for new applicants enrolling after August 2025), and all paperwork/documentation (contracts, receipts, surveys, etc.) are due Dec. 8, 2025.

We do not have a specific program for seeding a spring cover crop like the fall program; however, we have an extended rotations cost-share for anyone growing a small grain and following it with a legume cover crop. More information on PFI’s various cost-shares can be found here.