The Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (SWOF), a leading agricultural ecosystem services program, is now accepting farmer enrollment for 2024 across 28 states, with new areas of cropland eligibility in 23 states. The Soil and Water Outcomes Fund provides payment to farmers for environmental outcomes that result from implementing conservation practices. 

As an inset program, SWOF) continues to grow its opportunities for farmers and environmental impact through supply chain partnerships. The program enrolled over 300,000 acres and paid more than $10.5 million to farmers in 2023. Farmers enrolled in the program implemented conservation practices such as reduced tillage, cover crops, extended crop rotations, and fertilization management to improve soil health, reduce erosion and more. 

“We are proud to kick off our fifth year of enrollment for the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund and expand opportunities for farmers yet again,” said Adam Kiel co-managing director of the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund. “SWOF started with a pilot of 10,000 acres in 2020. Last year we enrolled over 300,000 acres and our farmer reenrollment rate was over 92% from 2022 to 2023. These metrics underscore the value our program provides and the confidence placed in us by U.S. farmers.” 

Farmers or landowners interested in enrolling in the program can do so by visiting the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund website, www.theoutcomesfund.com. A map of cropland areas eligible for 2024 enrollment is available on its website. You can also contact their field team with enrollment questions by sending an email to contactus@theoutcomesfund.com.  

“The more tools that Wisconsin soybean growers have in their toolbox, the better,” Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board Executive Director Adam Kask said. “The Soil and Water Outcomes Fund is just one example of a tool growers can use to further implement sustainable production practices.”