CONSERVATION COMPASS > FUNDING

Practical Farmers of Iowa Precision Conservation Analysis

Modified On
April 6, 2026

This program will provide a free analysis of your field’s profitability to see if it makes financial sense to take unprofitable acres out of production. If you choose to take recommended acres out of production, you receive a payment for the row crop acres that remain.

Info at a Glance

Lead Organization

Practical Farmers of Iowa & Pheasants Forever

Funding Source

Federal (Public)

Agronomist Support?

Technical Support Provided

Eligibility:

Must be row crop acres

Location

Statewide

Contract Length

5 years

Deadline

Rolling

Sign-up Process

Reach out to start a field analysis which takes about a month. PFI & Pheasants Forever will make a recomendation on which acres are marginal and could be taken out of production. If you decide to take the recommendation, payment is made after proof of seeding on the identified marginal acres.

Pros and Cons

  • You get to make the final decision on if you want to take the recommendation. Either way, you get a profitability analysis on your acres.
  • Pairs well with PFI's suite of cost share programs; ask about their prairie strips program.
  • The analysis does take time, but can be worth it to see your results.


Rates:

$8-26/acre for row crop acres that remain in production after marginal acres are transitioned into prairie, pasture, or extended rotation

Notes:

$10,000 cap

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 Prairie Incentive

The PFI Habitat Incentives program helps producers reduce erosion and nutrient loss while attracting pollinators. PFI’s program is unique because they can help you combine their habitat program with the USDA’s CRP incentives.


Learn more

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