Farmers can sign up for statewide cost-share funds to install nutrient reduction practices, such as cover crops, no-till or strip till, or use of a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer.

“This program has been very popular with farmers interested in adding water- quality focused practices on their farm. We continue to see farmers and landowners taking on the challenge of improving water quality, and this is a great way for them to get started with a new practice,” says Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

The cost share rate for farmers new to planting cover crops is $25 per acre ($15 per acre for past cover crop users). For farmers trying no-till or strip till, it’s $10 per acre.  Farmers using a nitrapyrin nitrification inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer can receive $3 per acre.

Farmers interested in cover crops are only eligible for cost share on up to 160 acres. Funds will be made available in July, but farmers can immediately start submitting applications through their local soil and water conservation district office.

Farmers are also encouraged to inquire about opportunities for cost-share funding through other programs offered. “We encourage farmers to contact their local SWCD office to learn more, sign up and participate,” says Naig.

Last year, 2,600 farmers signed up to participate in the program and invested an estimated $8.7 million in funding to match $4.8 million in state cost-share funds. Participants included 1,000 farmers using a practice for the first time and over1,600 previous users who received a reduced rate.

Source: Iowa Department of Agriculture