The Illinois Department of Agriculture is preparing to launch the eighth year of its Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program, offering farmers discounts on crop insurance premiums for planting cover crops. The 2026-2027 program will make 190,000 acres available for enrollment, with eligible acreage approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Farmers participating in the program can receive a discount of up to $5 per acre on their 2027 crop insurance premiums for each verified acre planted in cover crops during the fall of 2026.
Illinois Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II says the program helps farmers reduce insurance costs while improving soil health, preventing erosion and supporting long-term agricultural productivity. Over the past seven years, the program has provided assistance for approximately 890,000 acres of cover crops across Illinois.
Pre-enrollment begins Monday, November 30, at 8 a.m., allowing farmers to enter and verify their information before applications officially open. The application period begins Tuesday, December 15, at 8 a.m. and continues through January 15, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. To qualify, farmers must certify their cover crops through their local Farm Service Agency office before applying. Applicants will also need their current FSA-578 form and federal crop insurance policy numbers.
The program is available to farmers enrolled in the USDA Risk Management Agency’s crop insurance program and prioritizes cover crop acreage not already receiving other state or federal incentives. Approved applications will be forwarded to the USDA Risk Management Agency for processing, with discounts applied to eligible 2027 crop insurance bills.
Farmers can pre-enroll and submit applications through the Illinois Department of Agriculture website at agr.illinois.gov.
Additional information is available by calling the department at 217-782-6297.