Farmer-Led Council

Cover Crop Incentives

Latest Update:  As recommended by the Farmer-Led Council (FLC), the Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District (PLSLWD) completed a Cover Crop Reverse Auction in April of 2017.  Through this incentive, three bids were accepted and 118 acres of cover crops were installed on new fields in the watershed in 2017.

The FLC will be deciding this spring if it would like to continue the Cover Crop Reverse Auction in 2018.  Note that cover crops incentives are also available through the SWCD.  To receive updates on the 2018 FLC initiatives, please email Maggie at mkarschnia@plslwd.org.

Come to the FREE Cover Crop Workshop on March 15th from 10 am – 3 pm to learn more about cover crops! The workshop is at the American Legion in Le Center and is co-hosted by the Scott, Carver and Le Sueur SWCDs. Lunch is provided. Please pre-register by Tuesday, March 13th.

What are Cover Crops?

Cover crops are quick-growing crops, such as winter rye, radishes, turnips, rape seed, cereal rye and clovers, which are planted during or between periods of regular crop production. Cover crops can help increase productivity and profitability, and help improve soil health and water quality in the watershed.

Why Cover Crops?

    Benefits to Farmers:

• Keeps soil on the field by helping prevent soil erosion from wind and water
• Builds soil organic matter
• Suppresses weeds
• Provides nitrogen to the following cash crop
• Reduces soil compaction
• Provides nitrogen to the following cash crop
• Creates wildlife habitat for hunting and wildlife observation

   Benefits to the Watershed District:

• Prevents soil erosion from wind and water
• Improves water quality
• Provides wildlife habitat

How Can I Learn More?

The Watershed District partners with Scott Soil & Water Conservation District to help with the Farmer-Led Council incentives.  Please contact Scott Schneider to learn more about successful cover crops in Scott County and how you can take advantage of financial incentives available:

Scott Schneider

sschneider@scottswcd.org

(952) 492-5417