USDA launches pilot program for Prairie Pothole producers to plant cover crops

From USDA Farm Service Agency

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency announced a new pilot program is being launched that enables farmers in the Prairie Pothole region to receive payments for planting cover crops on their land for three to five years.

The new Conservation Reserve Program Soil Health and Income Protection Program — SHIPP — pilot is available to producers in Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. The sign-up for this pilot starts March 30 and ends Aug. 21.

“We are excited to provide a short-term Conservation Re...