The Illinois Department of Agriculture is offering early enrollment for the Fall Covers for Spring Savings cover crop incentive program. The program will be accepting applications starting at 8 a.m. on December 15. However, an all-new pre-enrollment period began on Monday, December 4 at 8 a.m. This means producers can enter their information now and have it validated so they’re ready to go on December 15.

The Fall Covers for Spring Savings incentive offers a $5 rebate on federal crop insurance for acres with cover crops. In years past, acres were claimed within hours, with many farmers accepting a “wait list” designation. In 2024, 140,000 acres are available, the same as in 2023. These acres were enrolled completely in under 24 hours.

Read more on Illinois’ cover crop incentive program here.