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Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is extending the deadline for farmers to enroll in the state’s cover crop cost-share program until September 18. The department is also allocating additional funding to accommodate the surge in participation requests.
“Cover crops are one of the most effective practices in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy that farmers and landowners can use to improve water quality and enhance soil health. We’ve seen incredibly strong demand for cover crops cost-share this summer and fall, to the point that we’ve already set a new record for investment, and our county offices are reporting that requests continue to roll in. I want as many farmers as possible to have the opportunity to participate in this program, so we are extending the deadline to sign up through Sept. 18,” said Secretary Naig. “I welcome both new and returning program participants to take advantage of cost-share to get more acres covered this fall. Visit your local USDA Service Center to sign up before the busy harvest season begins.”
The cost-share program offers first-time cover crop users $30 per acre, while returning participants receive $20 per acre. Funding is capped at 160 acres per participant.
Additional assistance is available exclusively for first-time users, including $10 per acre for farmers transitioning acres to no-till or strip-till practices and $3 per acre for using nitrogen inhibitors when applying fall fertilizer. These benefits are also capped at 160 acres per participant.
Farmers may submit applications through their county soil and water conservation offices located in USDA Service Centers. Iowa farmers and landowners are also encouraged to visit with local Service Center staff to learn about additional cost-share opportunities and conservation programs.
