The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is relaunching its Infield Conservation for Operationalizing Vital Ecosystem Resilience (I‑COVER) program, aimed at encouraging the early establishment of cover crops by leveraging new techniques and technology. The program seeks to enhance soil health, reduce erosion, and support resilient agriculture across the state.
Pre-enrollment for I-COVER begins April 1st, offering cost-share and financial incentives to producers and landowners who are new to cover crops or who use innovative methods for early establishment. The three-year program, funded by a $7 million grant from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, supports cover crops planted in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
“Research shows cover crops strengthen soil health, reduce erosion, improve resilience during drought and help manage pests, weeds and diseases,” said Jerry Costello II, IDOA director. “This program incentivizes farmers to protect and preserve Illinois soil, which is among the most fertile in the world.”
The program was paused last summer to protect farmers’ financial interests amid reimbursement concerns, but has been reopened following collaboration between state officials and the USDA NRCS. All previous applicants must reapply to be considered for the new funding cycle.
Pre-enrollment and applications are available online at agr.illinois.gov by selecting the I‑COVER Program link. Pre-enrollment opens at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1st, and applications will be accepted starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15th. The application period closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 1st.
Applications will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis by county, with the first qualifying application from each county receiving priority. If funds remain, additional applications from that county will be considered in order of receipt.
Eligible acres cannot be enrolled in other state, federal, or private programs that fund cover crops during the I‑COVER program period, such as EQIP, CSP, or Fall Covers for Spring Savings. Applicants must maintain control of the land for the full duration of the program. Program funding is contingent on federal fund availability.