CONSERVATION COMPASS > FUNDING

Iowa Seed Corn Cover Crop Initiative

Modified On
April 6, 2026

This program is specifically for farmers who grow seed corn. Cover crops have an even greater benefit after seed corn harvest due to harvest being earlier in the season.

Info at a Glance

Lead Organization

Iowa Seed Corn Association

Funding Source

State and Private

Agronomist Support?

No

Eligibility:

Both new and continuing acres eligible; Must be on seed corn acres

Location

Statewide

Contract Length

1 year

Deadline

Oct 31

Sign-up Process

Sign up online or contact [email protected] for a paper application; payment will come after cover crop seeding verification (usually between Oct & Dec)

Pros and Cons

  • A great program for seed corn producers since the program is tailored to them
  • Substantial rates for both new and continuing users.
  • Can sign up for the program either before or after cover crops are planted
  • Payments are from both public and private funding, so it does not stack well with public programs


Rates:

Winter hardy: $20/acre
Winter kill: $10/acre
First time users: extra $10/acre

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.

Practical Farmers of Iowa Cover Crop Program

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.


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

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