Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging Iowa farmers to plant cover crops this fall to improve soil health, enhance water quality, and save on next year’s crop insurance premiums.
The savings come through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Crop Insurance Discount Program, which offers a $5-per-acre premium discount for acres seeded to fall cover crops. There’s no cap on eligible acres, and the effort supports the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.
Naig says interest has been strong in cost-share offerings this summer and fall, and he expects similar participation in the insurance discount program when enrollment opens in December. He notes the program has proven effective at expanding cover crop acres while lowering producers’ insurance costs.
The online sign-up window runs Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, through Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Farmers can learn more at CleanWaterIowa.org or by contacting their crop insurance agent.
