Posted 9 July, 2026
IDALS encouraged Iowa farmers and landowners who are planning to seed cover crops this fall to enroll in the state's annual Cover Crop Cost-Share Program. This program is open to first-time and returning cover crop users in all 99 counties and offers cost-share assistance on up to 160 acres per participant.
Cover Crop Cost-Share
- Farmers planting cover crops for the first time are eligible for $30 per acre.
- Farmers who have previously planted cover crops are eligible for $20 per acre.
- Cost-share funding through the statewide program is limited to 160 acres per participant.
Additional Cost-Share Assistance for First-Time Users
- Farmers transitioning acres to no-till or strip-till are eligible for $10 per acre.
- Farmers can receive $3 per acre for utilizing a nitrogen inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer.
- Cost-share funding through these programs is limited to 160 acres per participant.
The statewide program complements the Department's recent conservation announcements including expanded incentives for cover crops and streamside buffers in the Greater Des Moines Watershed.