Farmers and landowners in Iowa are getting a boost to their sustainability efforts through the Iowa Crop Insurance Discount Program. Iowa's Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, recently announced the program's return, offering a $5 per acre discount on spring crop insurance premiums for those who incorporate cover crops into their fall planting.
The initiative aims to promote the benefits of cover crops, which extend far beyond cost savings. Planting cover crops is known to enhance water quality, boost soil health, provide valuable forage and feed for livestock, and deliver various agronomic advantages for farmers.
Secretary Mike Naig emphasized the positive impact of cover crops, saying, "Cover crop utilization continues to rise in Iowa, and we want to further accelerate the adoption of this proven water quality practice by offering this crop insurance discount incentive."
Starting on December 1, farmers and landowners can enroll in the program, taking advantage of this opportunity to save on their spring crop insurance premiums.
To be eligible for the program, the cover crop acres must not be enrolled in other state or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) cost share programs. This ensures that the incentive reaches those who actively contribute to improving agricultural and environmental practices.
Now in its seventh year, Iowa's Crop Insurance Discount Program serves as a model for other states and the federal government. To date, the program has witnessed enthusiastic participation, with nearly 2,000 farmers enrolling over 1,000,000 acres of cover crops. This remarkable response underscores the growing recognition of the benefits of cover crops in modern agriculture.
Farmers interested in this program should explore other available cost share funding options for implementing conservation practices. It's essential to check eligibility and follow existing farming practices required by respective policies, collaborating with insurance agencies to maintain eligibility.
Iowa's commitment to sustainable farming practices shines through this initiative, providing tangible benefits for both farmers and the environment.
For more information and program details, visit https://www.cleanwateriowa.org
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Iowa, Crops