Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today (Friday) that the deadline for farmers to sign up for cover crop cost-share has been extended to Sept. 18 due to record demand. Additional funding has also been allocated to allow more farmers to participate. Naig says, “Cover crops are one of the most effective practices in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy that farmers and landowners can use to improve water quality and enhance soil health. We’ve seen incredibly strong demand for cover crops cost-share this summer and fall, to the point that we’ve already set a new record for investment, and our county offices are reporting that requests continue to roll in. I want as many farmers as possible to have the opportunity to participate in this program, so we are extending the deadline.” First-time cover crop users are eligible for $30 per acre, while returning participants can receive $20 per acre. Cost-share is capped at 160 acres per participant. Additional assistance is available for first-time users adopting no-till or strip-till practices at $10 per acre and those applying nitrogen inhibitors at $3 per acre. Farmers can apply through their county USDA Service Center.
