The sign-up period for statewide cost-share funds to assist farmers with installing nutrient reduction practices is now open. Practices eligible for this funding include: cover crops; no-till; strip-till; or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey, says that Iowa’s farmers continue to take on the challenge of improving our water quality and this program has played an important role in helping them implement new practices. “We have seen thousands of farmers try cover crops on hundreds of thousands of acres through this program,” Northey says. “We are excited to have funds available again this year and encourage farmers to contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District to learn more and potentially sign up to participate.” The cost-share rate for cover crops is $25 per acre for new users, $15 per acre for previous users, $10 per acre for no-till or strip-till adoption and $3 per acre for nitrification inhibitor in fall fertilizer. Farmers not currently using these practices will receive top priority.
