News Release
FOR RELEASE ON: June 25, 2024
CONTACT: Rebekah Jones, Cell: 515- 901-3147 | rjones@iaagwater.org
IAWA launches guide to compare Iowa cover crop payment programs
ANKENY, IA (IAWA) — By stacking incentives, some farmers could get paid $100 or more per acre for planting new cover crops, but it’s not always easy to keep track of all the programs out there. A new website is beginning to solve that problem.
It’s an Iowa-specific cost share guide that allows farmers to compare public and private program details for cover crops, no-till, and reduced-till – all in one place. The site, located at costsharecompare.com, is a pilot project by the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA), a nonprofit formed by the Iowa soybean, pork, and corn associations.
“Our vision for the guide and its growth is to empower farmers and landowners to make the best decision for their unique farms,” said IAWA Communications Director, Rebekah Jones, who led the creation of the tool. “We spent months interviewing farmer-facing staff and learned that highest rates are not always the most critical factor. Some farmers prioritize contract length or ease of signup, for example. Whatever is most important to them – this makes it easier to compare that information.”
Cover crops and no-till improve water quality by preventing erosion and nutrient runoff and enhancing soil health, which are outcomes directly related to IAWA’s mission. This guide is inspired by and compliments the work of many IAWA partners who are also leading water quality efforts.
“This guide is built to support our partners’ work – whether it’s coaching farmers through first-time cover crop questions, helping with existing program signup or fundraising for new programs,” said Jeff Lucas, IAWA Executive Director.
There are millions of dollars and dozens of programs to offset costs of soil health practices, like the cost of cover crop seed or drone application. Program payments can also help mitigate the risk of yield drags.
So far, IAWA’s guide includes seven programs. It also shows which two programs will stack on top of each other for maximum dollars per acre.
IAWA is also accepting new program additions. Contact Rebekah Jones at rjones@iaagwater.org for consideration.
To view the guide, visit costsharecompare.com. In its current format, it is best viewed on a desktop.
The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA) is increasing the pace and scale of farmer-led efforts to improve water quality in Iowa. Founded in 2014 by Iowa Corn, the Iowa Soybean Association, and the Iowa Pork Producers Association, IAWA is building public-private partnerships focused on implementing water quality solutions. Learn more at www.iaagwater.org.
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