Cost-share
Maryland Cover Crop Program
Maryland Department of Agriculture
What you can get
$35/acre base, up to $65/acre with add-on incentives ($50/acre for aerial and broadcast stalk chop options) • The largest state cover crop cost-share in the country
- Readiness
- Local office first
- Who can apply
- producer, Maryland farmers with 10+ cover crop acres, a current Nutrient Management Plan, and good standing with the Conservation Grants Program
- Coverage
- MD
- Deadline & timing
- Due July 17, 2026. The 2026–2027 enrollment period closed July 17, 2026 and approval letters are being mailed. Planting deadlines: October 10, 2026 for oats/legume mixes and November 5, 2026 for cereal grains; certification due November 12, 2026; termination March 1 – June 1, 2027. Next signup expected June 2027 through local soil conservation districts.
cover cropwater qualitynutrient management
Last verified Aug 18, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.