CONSERVATION COMPASS > FUNDING

Practical Farmers of Iowa Cover Crop Program

Modified On
April 6, 2026

PFI offers a straightforward program that many farmers come back to year after year for its ease of use and easy stackability with public funding.

Info at a Glance

Lead Organization

Practical Farmers of Iowa

Funding Source

Private (Carbon)

Agronomist Support?

Yes, and required for producers new to cover crops

Eligibility:

Both new and continuing acres; must be a fall-planted cover crop

Location

Statewide

Contract Length

1 year

Deadline

Nov 1

Sign-up Process

Can sign up for this cost share before or after planting cover crops. Sign up in as little as 10 minutes and receive payments between January and March of the following year.

Pros and Cons

  • PFI makes it extremely easy
  • Reliable program that's been around a long time
  • Cannot stack with other carbon programs


Rates:

$10/acre + additional incentives available

Notes:

240 acre cap.
Farmers new to cover crops must do a short consultation to help them be successful.

**PFI is still finalizing 2026 program, so rates and other details may change. Listing will update once final.

Helpful Links

Program Website

CONTACT IAWA Find Conservation Agronomist Conservation Compass home

Stacks well with:

Always check with program rep before signing up for multiple programs. Learn more about stacking here.

Water Quality Initiative (WQI)

This state incentive is popular because it’s easy to sign up for and accepts both new and continuing acres; but sign up early. Funds are first come, first served.


Learn more

Farmers for Soil Health

A program made by farmers for farmers, this is a USDA grant funded initially by the Climate Smart Program (Now known as the Advancing Markets For Producers program). New in 2026, payments are $35 per acre for all farmers, not just those who are new to cover crops.


Learn more

State Crop Insurance Rebate

Receive a $5/acre rebate on your crop insurance if you plant cover crops. An especially helpful program for those who miss deadlines for other, higher-paying programs.


Learn more

Looking for help?
Search our Agronomist Directory.

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