Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that, in response to record demand, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is extending the deadline for farmers to sign up for cover crop cost-share assistance. Producers now have until September 18 to apply, and additional funding has been allocated to allow more farmers to participate.
“Farmers across Iowa continue to show their commitment to conservation and water quality by incorporating cover crops and other proven practices,” Naig said. “We want to ensure that everyone who is interested has the opportunity to get involved.”
Cover Crop Cost-Share
- $30 per acre for farmers planting cover crops for the first time.
- $20 per acre for farmers who have already been using cover crops.
- Funding is limited to 160 acres per participant.
Additional Assistance for First-Time Users
- $10 per acre for farmers transitioning acres to no-till or strip-till.
- $3 per acre for those using a nitrogen inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer.
- Funding is also limited to 160 acres per participant.
Applications are available now through local soil and water conservation offices, located in each county’s USDA Service Center. Farmers and landowners are encouraged to visit with staff about additional cost-share opportunities and conservation programs beyond the state-funded initiatives.
To learn more about Iowa’s conservation efforts and available resources, visit CleanWaterIowa.org.