Teresa Hoffman, policy communications associate, teresah@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext. 1012; or Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext 1025
NEVADA, IOWA —As Iowa farmers and landowners look for ways to continue building soil health and protecting the state’s watersheds, many are using cover crops.
According to the fact sheet “Guide To Cover Crop Cost-Share in Iowa” released today by the Center for Rural Affairs, state, federal, and industry-based programs are available to assist farmers and landowners.
“We know implementing cover crops can be a significant cost in your operations, especially with commodity prices where they are currently,” said Kayla Bergman, policy associate for the Center for Rural Affairs. “That’s why cost-share programs that offset these costs are crucial.”
Offered by agencies such as the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the programs provide technical and financial assistance for implementation. Grain companies with supply chains also fund industry-based initiatives in Iowa.
Additionally, a program through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency offers a discount on crop insurance premiums to producers who plant cover crops, but are not enrolled in a government-funded cost-share program on those acres.
“The fact sheet outlines the requirements for each program in Iowa, as well as cost-share payment rates for 2020, and which programs you can overlap for your cover crop acres,” Bergman said.
Click here to download the “Guide to Cover Crop Cost-Share in Iowa.”
