An improved tarp and ballast system that includes a plurality of panels attached to one another along the lengths thereof, wherein the lengths of the panels correspond to the length of the tarp. The tarp also includes chain pockets located at the sides of the tarp which run the length of the tarp and have chains secured therein. The tarp further includes a plurality of cable pockets and associated ballast anchors oriented across the width of the tarp which are adapted to secure a plurality of ballast cables to the tarp.