Iowa Launches New Cover Crop Incentives for Water Quality

Iowa is taking a voluntary, farmer-led approach to improving water quality. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the first phase of the Greater Des Moines Watershed Program on Monday, offering financial incentives for farmers who plant cover crops upstream of Des Moines. The initiative is part of a $319 million state investment signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds, prioritizing common-sense conservation over heavy-handed regulations.

How does the new Iowa cover crop program work?

Farmers in 22 eligible counties can now enroll in cover crop cost assistance. The program offers up to $25 per acre for as many as 500 acres. Both new and existing cover crop users can participate. Instead of punishing agricultural producers with top-down mandates, the state is rewarding farmers for implementing proven conservation practices on their own land.

Participants living in Audubon, Boone, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Carroll, Clay, Dallas, Dickinson, Emmet, Greene, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Polk, Sac, Webster, Winnebago and Wright counties are eligible to sign up.

What is the farm to faucet water quality package?

This cover crop initiative is the first step in a larger $319 million water quality investment. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Sec. Naig introduced the