Farmers for Soil Health
Healthier soil grows better soybeans. Farmers for Soil Health is a Soy Checkoff℠-supported initiative that offers cost-share opportunities and technical support designed to help farmers earn more for planting cover crops.
Where Farmers for Soil Health Began
Farmers for Soil Health is one of many programs supported by the Soy Checkoff. It brings together soy, corn, wheat, grain sorghum, and cotton farmers in one of the most ambitious soil health efforts in U.S. agriculture.
Laying the Groundwork
In 2018, the Soy Checkoff partnered with the National Corn Growers Association and the Pork Checkoff on a national cover crop initiative, signing a memorandum of understanding that laid the foundation for Farmers for Soil Health.
Built by Farmers
Unlike most national conservation programs, Farmers for Soil Health was designed by the commodity groups themselves – for farmers, by farmers. That leadership structure shapes everything about how the program runs.
Backed by Real Investment
A 2022 cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grew into a $95 million Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant, funding cost-share payments to soybean and corn farmers across 20 states.
Inside the Program
Farmers for Soil Health pays corn, soybean, wheat, grain sorghum, and cotton farmers across 20 states to plant cover crops. The result: healthier soil, less erosion, lower nitrogen runoff, and more carbon staying where it belongs.
Financial Incentives
Cost-share payments for new and existing cover crop acres, helping farmers offset the upfront cost of adoption.
Technical Assistance
Local experts who help farmers select the right cover crops and manage them successfully on their acres.
Environmental Benefits
Stronger soil, reduced erosion, and cleaner water from cover crop practices protect farm sustainability and resilience.
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Jim Douglas
Farmer-leader | Flatrock, Ind.
Jim Douglas
Farmer-leader | Flatrock, Ind.
“
On our farm, we've seen the difference that cover crops make in soil health and long-term productivity. A program like Farmers for Soil Health makes it easier for farmers to take that first step by helping offset the startup costs, and the $35-per-acre payment on a simplified one-year contract removes a lot of the risk that keeps people on the fence.”
The Latest from Farmers for Soil Health
Stay up to date on what's new with Farmers for Soil Health, from enrollment to program news.
Farmers for Soil Health reopens enrollment with higher payments, simpler contracts for cover crop adoption
Farmers for Soil Health Initiative Seeks to Double Cover Crops by 2030—Enrollment Now Open
Build healthy, productive and sustainable soils with these four methods to celebrate National Soil Health Day
$13.6 million in grants boost technical assistance for farmers adopting cover crops through Farmers for Soil Health
The Work That Makes It Possible
Farmers for Soil Health provides financial incentives to farmers, puts experts in the field, and builds the outreach network driving cover crop adoption toward 30 million acres by 2030.