Iowa farmers now have more time to sign up for cover crop cost-share. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has extended the enrollment deadline through Thursday, Sept. 18, citing record demand and additional funding being made available. The program provides $30 per acre for first-time cover crop users and $20 per acre for returning participants, with a cap of 160 acres per farmer. Extra cost-share is also available for first-time users adopting no-till or strip-till practices, or applying a nitrogen inhibitor with fall fertilizer.
Naig says cover crops remain one of the most effective practices to improve soil health and water quality. Farmers can apply through their county USDA Service Center before the busy harvest season begins.
From the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship. Learn more here: https://www.cleanwateriowa.org/cost-share
