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 4th 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
1917 Hwy 71 N, Ste 1
Carroll, Iowa 51401
Phone: 712-792-1212
Fax: 855-233-1292
Crawford
3707 Timberline Dr., Ste 1
Denison, Iowa 51442
Phone: 712-263-4123
Fax: 855-233-1292
Greene
1703 N. Elm St, Ste 2
Jefferson, Iowa 50129
Phone: 515-386-3817
Fax: 855-233-1295
Guthrie
1000 School St.
Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115
Phone: 641-332-2812
Fax: 855-233-1295
Sac
404 Morningside Dr.
Sac City, Iowa 50583
Phone: 712-662-7773
Fax: 855-246-1551