Iowa farmers receive record $112M in USDA conservation funds

By Andi Anderson

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has set a new record by allocating $112.1 million in conservation practice funding to Iowa farmers for fiscal year 2024. This funding, aimed at enhancing soil and water quality across nearly 400,000 acres, marks a significant increase from previous years.

This year’s conservation program contracts, which typically last between three to five years, are part of a broader effort to support sustainable agriculture in Iowa. The funds are designated for addressing natural resource concerns such as soil erosion and water quality, crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of the farmlands.

Approximately 42% of the funds, amounting to $47.2 million, were sourced from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), focusing on climate-smart agriculture practices like cover crops and no-till farming. These practices not only improve air quality but also enhance soil and water quality while providing habitats for wildlife.

The remaining 58% of the funds were provided through the 2018 Farm Bill, extended to support various conservation efforts across the state. Jon Hubbert, Iowa NRCS State Conservationist, expressed gratitude for the congressional support that has enabled the implementation of these conservation practices on Iowa’s private lands.

The funding supports four primary programs: the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). These programs collectively help Iowa’s farmers develop customized conservation plans that meet specific environmental goals.

For example, the CSP program has committed $29.2 million to cover 204,743 acres under new and renewed contracts. Similarly, EQIP has allocated $65.5 million for practices that support sustainable agriculture and environmental quality over 164,073 acres.

The funding also emphasizes supporting historically underserved producers, with 29% of EQIP funds directed to aid beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged groups, veterans, and those with limited resources.

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