Cost-share
Iowa Cover Crop Cost-Share Program
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS)
What you can get
$30/acre for first-time cover crop users or $20/acre for returning users, up to 160 acres per participant. • Farmers transitioning acres to no-till or strip-till are eligible for $10/acre, and $3/acre for using a nitrogen inhibitor with fall fertilizer (not limited to first-time cover crop users). Farmers in the 22-county Greater Des Moines Watershed may receive an additional $25/acre on up to 500 acres, for up to 660 total cost-shared cover crop acres.
- Readiness
- Local office first
- Who can apply
- producer
- Coverage
- IA
- Deadline & timing
- Applications are open through county Soil and Water Conservation District offices and the state portal while limited funding remains.
water qualitycover cropnutrient managementsoil health
Last verified Aug 18, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.