The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD), in partnership with Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM), is announcing a program to reward producers across Kansas for planting cover crops and implementing other regenerative practices. 

In 2022 Kansas had a goal of planting 100,000 acres of cover crops through this program. Kansas producers stepped up and enrolled over that amount. In 2023 the program has been expanded to plant 200,000 acres of cover crops as well as other practice activities for producers that have wheat in their rotation.

The Barton County Conservation District will assist with implementation of the program at the county level, primarily by assisting producers in the application process. 

This program promotes sustainability and regenerative agriculture practices that will help support continuous improvement of the agriculture supply chain. The ultimate goal is to create more value for the crops farmers are growing regeneratively by adding environmental characteristics to the practices that positively impact the environment.

Farmers who implement regenerative practices may see improvements in long-term profitability through reduced input costs and higher yields. By accelerating the adoption of these practices, this grant will help enhance soil health, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases, improve water resources, and support wildlife while providing economic benefits to participating farmers. 

For more information about this new opportunity, contact the Barton County Conservation District office at 926 Patton Rd. in Great Bend, or call 620-792-3002.