Iowa Crop Insurance Discount Program Opens for 2026 Savings

By Andi Anderson

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has officially opened the sign-up period for its annual Crop Insurance Discount Program, offering farmers a financial incentive for using conservation practices on their land.

This program provides a five-dollar per acre reduction on next year’s crop insurance premiums for farmers who planted cover crops during the fall season. The goal is to encourage more producers to adopt sustainable soil and water practices while lowering their overall production costs.

According to the state agriculture secretary, this initiative demonstrates Iowa’s ongoing commitment to conservation. He noted that the enrollment process is simple and available online, making it easier for farmers to participate.

He also emphasized that even during challenging economic times, cover crops can be both a practical and environmentally friendly decision for producers looking to strengthen their operations.

Enrollment for the program runs from December 1, 2025, through January 23, 2026. Farmers can register by visiting apply.cleanwateriowa.org or by contacting their crop insurance agent for help. There is no maximum number of acres that can be enrolled, giving producers flexibility to sign up all eligible land.

To qualify for the discount, acres planted with cover crops cannot be part of other cost-share programs from state or federal agencies.

Some types of insurance policies, such as Whole-Farm Revenue Protection or policies under special written agreements, may not be eligible. Farmers are encouraged to work directly with their insurance agents to confirm that their cover crop acres meet all program requirements.

The program supports Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy and is jointly managed by IDALS and the USDA Risk Management Agency. Now in its ninth year, the initiative has been widely recognized as a successful model and has inspired similar programs in other states.

Nearly 2,000 farmers have already used the program to enroll more than 1.4 million acres, showing strong interest in combining financial savings with conservation practices.

By participating, farmers can reduce costs while supporting healthier soil, improved water quality, and long-term sustainability across agricultural landscapes.

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