Secretary Naig Opens Sign-Up for Annual Cover Crop Cost-Share Program

Jul 08, 2026

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today 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.

“More Iowa farmers are choosing to plant cover crops because they've seen the benefits in their own fields, while also delivering cleaner water for Iowans downstream. Cover crops prevent runoff, hold nutrients in place, improve soil health, reduce weed pressure and can provide forage for livestock, making them one of the most effective tools we have to protect Iowa’s water quality,” said Secretary Naig. “Cover Crop Cost-Share has become one of our most popular conservation programs and has helped drive record adoption of cover crops in recent years. I encourage farmers and landowners to visit their local USDA Service Center or cleanwateriowa.org to explore the conservation programs available and sign up early because demand continues to build each year."

Cover Crop Cost-Share

Farmers planting cover crops for the first time are eligible for $30 per acre.

Source : iowaagriculture.gov

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