Farm and Food
Cover crops are important for building soil health and protecting Iowa’s watersheds. The average cost is $37 per acre to implement cover crops. To assist farmers and landowners interested in implementing cover crops, there are many state and federal programs available that not only provide technical assistance, they also provide financial assistance for implementation.
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides statewide cover crop cost-share. The rate for first-time users is $25 per acre and $15 per acre for repeat users. The program is capped at 160 acres per producer. Registration for the cost-share program can be completed at your local Soil and Water Conservation District office. Applications are typically accepted late May through late July. Acres currently enrolled in this state-level program are not eligible for federal-level cost-share dollars.
