Cover Crop Incentive Program

The inclusion of cover crops in a production system can both improve soil health and reduce erosion. LCCD’s cover crop incentive program supports producers across Lebanon County in incorporating this practice.

Participants compensated $50 per acre in 2026

This year, LCCD is expanding our cover crop program to the whole county! The program will compensate farmers $50 per acre for cover cropped fields, with half of the payment being given in the fall after planting and the other half being distributed in the spring. LCCD staff will verify planting and crop maintenance.

Funds are limited, so applications will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis!

program guidelines

  • Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are exhausted

  • Maps showing field acreages and where cover crops will be planted are required

  • Submission of a verified seed label is required, in the absence of a seed label, payment will be withheld pending verification of at least 25% germination

  • Cover crop must be planted by November 20th, 2026 and maintained until March 31st, 2027

  • 50% of payment will be issued following fall field verification of planting by November 30th, the remaining 50% will be issued after verification that crop has been maintained through March 31st

Image credit: Penn State Extension

eligibility Requirements

  • All acres must be within Lebanon County

  • Operations must have updated Erosion and Sediment Control and Manure or Nutrient Management Plans

    • If you need E&S or Manure Management plans, LCCD can write them for you at no cost

  • Participants from last year can reapply

  • Acres enrolled in cover crop programs with other organizations are not eligible

  • Applications are for the 2026-2027 growing season, the program operates on single-year agreements

Applications

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are exhausted

Application and Guidelines

Submit completed applications or questions to:

Lebanon County Conservation District

ATTN: Kylee McMaster or Ellie Hohenstein

2120 Cornwall Road

Lebanon, PA 17042

Email kylee.mcmaster@lccd.org or ellie.hohenstein@lccd.org