DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa farmers and landowners who planted cover crops during the fall could be eligible for the state's Crop Insurance Discount Program. However, those interested should apply soon, as the Jan. 26 deadline approaches.
According to Clean Water Iowa, cover crops are not necessarily planted for harvest but are used to reduce soil erosion during the colder months. Iowa farmers who plant these can receive a $5 per acre discount on spring crop insurance premiums.
“Iowa farmers and landowners continue to utilize conservation and water quality practices, including cover crops, at record levels,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said. “The Crop Insurance Discount Program helps defray some of the costs of getting these cover crops established, so I encourage farmers to get their eligible acres enrolled before the deadline.”
The program is in its seventh year through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. According to the department, around 2,000 Iowa farmers have enrolled over a million acres of cover crops in the program. To qualify, cover crop acres cannot be enrolled in another state or federal cost-share program.
Those interested can sign up at Apply.CleanWaterIowa.com before the deadline on Friday, Jan. 26.
Naig joined The Current on News 8 to talk more about the program and the purpose it serves for Iowans. You can watch his full interview in the above video.
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