Farmers for Soil Health Opens 2026 Enrollment with New Incentives
Farmers for Soil Health has officially opened enrollment for its 2026 program, offering new incentives designed to encourage more farmers to adopt cover crops and improve soil health.
The farmer-led initiative is available to producers growing corn, soybeans, wheat, grain sorghum, or cotton in 20 participating states. Enrollment will remain open until August 31.
One of the biggest updates for 2026 is an increase in financial support. Eligible growers can now receive payments of up to $35 per acre per year on as many as 2,000 acres enrolled in the program. The updated rate is intended to better reflect the costs of establishing and managing cover crops.
The program has also simplified its contract requirements. Farmers now have the option of a one-year contract instead of a longer-term commitment. This change gives producers more flexibility and allows them to re-enroll based on their individual goals and management plans.
“These updates more accurately reflect on-farm costs and the agronomic value of cover crops,” said Ben West, executive director of Farmers for Soil Health. “They also reflect Farmers for Soil Health’s commitment to supporting row-crop farmers interested in adopting conservation practices that improve soil health and long-term farm resilience. By offering financial assistance that better mirrors the costs of cover crop adoption, simplifying the contract structure and maintaining technical support, the program aims to make participation more accessible for growers.”
Technical assistance remains a key part of the program. Farmers can continue working with state-based advisors who provide guidance on eligibility, enrollment, and successful cover crop management practices.
According to program leaders, the updates were introduced to make participation easier while helping growers capture the agronomic and environmental benefits of cover crops. These practices can improve soil structure, reduce erosion, increase water retention, and strengthen long-term farm resilience.
Farmers for Soil Health is supported by the Soy Checkoff, Pork Checkoff, and National Corn Growers Association, along with state commodity organizations and conservation partners. The initiative aims to expand cover crop adoption across the United States and increase total cover crop acreage to 30 million acres by 2030.
The program is backed by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Advancing Markets for Producers initiative. In addition to financial incentives, organizers continue to provide research-based support to help farmers successfully integrate conservation practices into their operations.
Program officials encourage interested growers to review eligibility requirements and enroll before the August deadline to take advantage of available financial assistance and technical support.
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