The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) opened pre-enrollment for the 2025–2026 Fall Covers for Spring Savings (FCSS) program on December 3rd, offering Illinois farmers a $5 per acre discount on their 2026 crop insurance premium for planting cover crops in fall 2025. The program is designed to support soil health, improve water quality and encourage adoption of conservation practices across the state.

The FCSS program is open to any Illinois farmer who planted fall cover crops and plans to insure those same acres in 2026. Acres enrolled in other state or federal cover crop cost-share programs (including EQIP, CSP, or state-funded incentives) are not eligible.

Applications will be accepted from Monday, December 15 at 8:00 AM CST through Thursday, January 15 at 11:59 PM CST. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is important to submit applications as soon as possible.

Program Timeline

· December 3 – December 15: Pre-enrollment period. Farmers may log in, gather field and FSA-578 information, and prepare their applications.

· December 15–January 15: Application window opens. Farmers may submit applications during this period.

Farmers interested in participating can learn more and access the application portal at: https://tinyurl.com/FCSSinfo.

For assistance, farmers may contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office or the Illinois Department of Agriculture at 217-782-6297.

The Fall Covers for Spring Savings program is supported by the Illinois Department of Agriculture with the goal of advancing conservation, strengthening farm resilience, and protecting natural resources statewide.