It’s time to sign up for the Eastern Shore Cost- Share Program
Fiscal Year 2021 Sign Up Period starts July 15, 2020 and ends August 17, 2020. A 2nd sign-up period will be announced if additional cost share funds are available.
Nutrient Management Plans: A nutrient management plan details the most efficient use of fertilizer and manure on your farm. Plans are customized to fit your operation. They consider the potential productivity of each field along with an inventory of available nutrients from the soil, crop residues, manures, and commercial fertilizers. This is a flexible plan that is based on crop response and it focuses on efficiently using crop nutrients. These plans must be written by a VA certified planner and are required to participate in all cost share programs.
Popular Cost Share Programs on the Eastern Shore
Small Grain Cover for Nutrient and Residue Management (SL-8B): A good stand and good growth of winter cover must be obtained in time to protect the area in fall and winter. No nutrients may be applied between harvesting of the previous crop and March 1 of the next calendar year. No nutrients are allowed at planting. Harvesting for hay, haylage, silage, grain, straw, or seed is not permitted.
Harvestable Cover Crop (SL-8H): A good stand and good growth of winter cover must be obtained in time to protect the area in fall and winter. Harvesting for hay, haylage, silage, grain, or seed is permitted after a specified date. With few exceptions, nutrients from any sources are not allowed between harvesting of the previous crop and March 1 of the next calendar year.
Protective Cover for Specialty Cropland (SL-8): This practice keeps a cover on cropland when it is not being used after harvest of vegetables or specialty crops. Growth must be maintained for at least 90 days after seeding. Growth may not be harvested for hay or seed.
Legume Cover Crop (WQ-4): This practice is for use only on land being planted to a grain crop. No-till planting must be established into an existing legume stand or newly established legume stand. Grazing is not allowed. Removal of legume residue by baling or any other means is not allowed.
Cost share and/or tax credits are available for other best management practices not listed.
For more information on these practices or others, contact:
Bill Savage, Conservation Specialist, at 757-302-4437 or bill.savage@esswcd.org.
Carmie Savage, District Manager at 757-302-4431 or carmie.savage@esswcd.org
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