IDALS Increases Cost-Share Incentives For Cover Crop Programs

Iowa is increasing cost-share conservation incentives for Iowa farmers through the state’s Water Quality Initiative (WQI). Under the new incentives, first-time users of cover crops are eligible for $30 per acre, while returning participants can receive $20 per acre, marking a $5 per acre increase from last year. Farmers shifting acres to no-till or strip-till practices can qualify for $10 per acre. New users implementing a nitrogen inhibitor with fall fertilizer application can receive $3 per acre. Naig says, “Planting season is a great time for farmers to be thinking about conservation and making plans for implementing additional practices on their farms. Recognizing that input costs are rising for farmers and to keep our statewide cover crop momentum building, we are offering both first-time cover crop users and returning participants a larger cost-share incentive this year. Iowa has set conservation adoption and investment records each of the last two years, and we want to keep breaking these records year after year.” Last year, the program enrolled over 3,300 farmers and landowners, covering more than 375,000 acres of cover crops and attracting approximately $12.6 million in private investment alongside the state’s $6.3 million contribution. Applications can be submitted through local Soil and Water Conservation District offices, with funds becoming available in July. Naig urges farmers to connect with their local USDA Service Center for further information on available conservation programs, and a list of contact information is included with this story online.

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Audubon

900 4^th Ave. Ste. 1

Audubon, Iowa 50025

Phone: 712-563-4248

Fax: 855-223-7140

Calhoun

905 High St. Ste 1

Rockwell City, Iowa 50579

Phone: 712-297-7824

Fax: 855-246-1551

Carroll