Cost share available for Cover Crops

The 2025 sign-up period is open for cost share funds to help farmers install nutrient reduction practices. Practices eligible for this funding are cover crops, no-till or strip till, or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer in the fall.

Keokuk County residents can contact the Keokuk County Soil and Water Conservation District, 607 E. Jackson, Sigourney, IA 52591 or at 641-622-3380 Ext 3 to apply.

The cost share rate for farmers planting cover crops is $30 per acre for first time users and $20 per acre for previous users of cover crop. The cost-share is available for up to 160 acres. First-time cover crop users will receive priority consideration for this assistance. Previous users are welcome to apply for assistance but there is no guarantee it will be approved for funding.

Assistance for no-till, strip till and nitrification inhibitor is for first time users only. Cover crop assistance is available for first time users and previous users.

If interested in this funding, it is encouraged that you apply for funding before Aug. 1, 2025 at your local Soil and Water Conservation District office. The funds will be made available for approval in July for first time users.