Counties qualify for emergency drought assistance

INDIANA (WLFI) - Several counties in Indiana are now eligible for emergency crop assistance because of their exceptional-drought status.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is making emergency cover crop cost share assistance available for landowners in Clay, Davies, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vigo and Warrick counties.

The Posey County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will administer the program on behalf of ISDA.

“We hope these funds will help Hoosier landowners living in these areas better preserve and build the soil health that remains after this exceptionally challenging year and provide opportunity to livestock growers for an additional source of forage,” said Indiana Agriculture Director Joe Kelsay. “We appreciate our SWCD partners donating time and resources to effectively assist our farmers.”

Landowners should contact District Coordinator Jeri Ziliak or 812-838-4191, ext. 3, to apply.

Due to limited funding, cost share incentives will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis as long as the criteria below are met.

You must not be receiving cover crop drought assistance funds through NRCS’s Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP), Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), or other related cover crop drought assistance program.

Your land must be located in a D4 classified county as of Aug. 14.

Your cost share incentive will be a flat rate of $30 per acre.

Your cost share assistance is limited to 100 acres per producer.

Your cover crop seeding may be grazed or cut for forage feed if needed after it has reached adequate growth.

Cost share incentive may only be used for costs directly associated with establishment of cover crops such as seed, planting, etc.