Get paid for cover crops

We want to help you find the best cost share program for you, and in the quickest time possible. That’s why we created a tool to help you compare and contrast incentive programs.

Our Purpose

For generations farmers have fed and fueled our nation, with their hands in the soil and heart in the job. They are passionate about the soil that provides for their families and the environment where they live and work every day.

Farmers are making a difference in improving Iowa’s water quality and conserving our soil for future generations. The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance provides the support and coordination to get it done.

Our Mission

IAWA is increasing the pace and scale of farmer-led efforts to improve water quality in Iowa.

Our Motivation

We are all connected by water. From the tap water we drink, to the rivers we enjoy for boating and fishing, and the rain that nourishes our crops, water is important for everyone.

Our Impact

To date, we have secured more than $150 million of investment and resources to help farmers, landowners, and partners improve water quality.

We have connected more than 100 unique organizations to work together to improve water quality including farmers, agricultural associations, conservation organizations, federal, state, and local government leaders, businesses, academic institutions, and urban representatives.

We work with our partners to educate farmers and landowners across the state and inform them of conservation opportunities.

Spotlight Stories

  • Taking control of water management on Iowa’s flat, fertile cropland

    Taking control of water management on Iowa’s flat, fertile cropland

    Drainage Water Management practices support crop success, soil health, water quality  ADAIR, Iowa (IAWA) – Underground drainage tile has long been the go-to answer for handling water in northern and central Iowa’s flat, fertile, slow-draining cropland – but a newer approach is letting farmers choose how much water leaves their field and when. That approach,[...]Read More »
  • Imagine a day without water 2024

    Imagine a day without water 2024

    ANKENY, Iowa (IAWA) – Water’s essential role in life on earth, everywhere and every day, is common knowledge. Despite its importance to everyday life (or maybe because of it), water can also be easy to take for granted.  That’s true even for folks whose day jobs revolve around Iowa water quality – and it’s why the[...]Read More »
  • Beyond cost share – more bang for your cover crop buck

    Beyond cost share – more bang for your cover crop buck

    Cover crop seeding, equipment options can help save time, money By Adam Sodders ANKENY, Iowa (IAWA) – As cover crop acres have spread across Iowa in the last 10 years, Iowa farmers are ever more aware of their powerful water quality and soil benefits – and of the public and private cost share programs helping[...]Read More »