Intro to Conservation Incentive Programs for Farmers

November 6, 2024

Navigating the financial benefits of conservation practices can be complex, but a variety of cost-share and carbon programs offer significant incentives for farmers committed to sustainable practices.

 

Cost-share programs provide set payments to help offset expenses for specific conservation efforts, sourced from both federal and private funding. Carbon markets present unique opportunities by paying farmers based on measurable carbon sequestration from practices like cover cropping and no-till, where farm data can directly translate into income through generated carbon credits.

 

Understanding the distinctions between cost-share and carbon markets, along with critical elements like contract terms, data management, and payment structures, empowers farmers to make informed choices. Whether exploring these programs independently or with a Precision Conservation Management (PCM) Specialist, farmers can maximize their conservation efforts and financial returns.

Justin Moore headshot
By Tara Desmond July 23, 2025
Meet Justin Moore a staff member at IL Corn.
washington dc photo
By Lindsay Croke July 17, 2025
“If such language is included in the policy recommendations, it could significantly hamper the work of America’s farmers and raise prices on consumers without providing any additional layer of safety for the American public,” the letter said. “If the pesticides in the original report were to disappear completely, crop
FFA students at USDA
By Lyndi Allen July 17, 2025
IL Corn leaders met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to discuss key ag priorities like trade, conservation, ethanol, and lock and dam infrastructure, while mentoring the next generation of advocates from Illinois FFA.
corn
By Lydia Rogers July 14, 2025
Debunking Myths
headshot of Shelby Watson
By Tara Desmond July 14, 2025
We recently caught up with Shelby Watson following the announcement of her promotion to Director, The Americas & Allied Industry Programs at USAPEEC. In her expanded role, Shelby is taking on new responsibilities across Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
Crops destroyed by storm
By Lyndi Allen July 10, 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the new Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, providing assistance to farmers with crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.
Show More