Important dates! 

We will close applications for header tiles and red clover on May 30, 2025.  We may re-open these categories again in the fall. Please note that we will begin issuing approvals for Cover Crops some time in June as we are prioritizing activities that need to be completed at an earlier date.  To allow us time to acclimate our new stewardship technician and allow Emma to wrap up her time with us, all other applications will temporary close on June 20, 2025.  We will re-open applications in August. 

Corrections and Clarifications! 

We have heard from a few of you about some errors in the online brochure.  We appreciate the feedback and have made the following adjustments.  Please refer back to the website at any time to ensure there are no changes to the program. 

Cover Crops 

We realize now that the way we listed the maximums for different types of cover crop may have been confusing.  Our intention was that the maximum provided for cover crops would not exceed $20,000, regardless of the type of cover crop used.  We have opted to increase the maximum grant for cover crops with three or more species to $30,000 based on feedback received. Thus, we are increasing the maximum amount to $30,000 in total.  This could be achieved with a combination of cover crop types (e.g. $5,000 in red clover, $20,000 in single or two-species mix, $5,000 in a mix with 3 or more species). 

Reduced Tillage 

The table at the front of the brochure did not match the information in the details.  The rate is $40/acre, $20,000 maximum for a new change in practice to reduced tillage.  It was also not clear that there are two rates for reduced tillage.  If sufficient funding remains, continued use of reduced tillage will be eligible at a rate of $25/acre, $15,000 maximum. The total maximum available for reduced tillage is $20,000. 

Header Tiles and Rock Chutes 

We have received a number of applications for header tile installation, which also include a separate application for a rock chute at the tile end.  The tile outlet is expected to be properly designed to minimize erosion, which is considered part of the expense of the project.  As such, these projects are not also eligible for funding for rock chutes at the header tile outlet. The intention of the funding for rock chutes is to prevent erosion due to surface drainage. 

Phosphorus Placement 

We have received a number of applications for multiple types of phosphorus placement on the same acreage (e.g. variable rate + banding) with the expectation of doubling the amount received.  The intention for this incentive was to support improved phosphorus placement in each field and we provided numerous examples of how this could be achieved but we did not intend to imply that those could be stacked.  The rate per field is $30/acre, regardless of the method chosen.  Also note that for variable rate application, you may be updating your crop nutrient plan, which falls under a separate incentive category.