Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
The Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program that helps agricultural producers use environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. CRP participants plant long-term, resource-conserving covers to improve the quality of water and air, control soil erosion and enhance wildlife habitat. In return, FSA provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance.
Water Quality Initiative Program (WQI)
State cost share is offered to help meet the goals of Iowa's Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Cost share is available for cover crops ($25/acre for first time users and $15/acre for non-first time users), nitrification inhibitor ($3/acre for first time users), and No-Till/Strip-Till ($10/acre for first time users). There is 160 acre cost share cap.
Rock Creek Watershed
If you have land in the Rock Creek Watershed you may be eligible for cost share up to 75% on best management practices. See Rock Creek Watershed tab for more info
Mitchell Soil and Water Conservation District
Mitchell County, Iowa
Our partner agencies and organizations offer technical assistance as well as a variety of different financial assistance programs that are available to landowners and farmers in the county seeking to promote the stewardship and protection of our natural resources. Some of these practices include but are not limited to cover crops, strip/no till, windbreaks, prairie plantings, wetlands, streambank stabilization, filter strips, waterways, and high tunnels. We encourage you to contact field office staff to learn more about different programs and whether one might be right for you!
Cover Crop: Crop Insurance Premium Discount
Farmers who use fall-seeded cover crops may be eligible for a $5/acre discount on spring cash crop insurance premiums. In order to qualify, the acres cannot be enrolled in any state or federal cover crop cost share programs. Learn more here
An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Federal Financial Assistance (EQIP, CSP)
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers voluntary programs to eligible landowners and agricultural producers to provide financial and technical assistance to help manage natural resources in a sustainable manner. Through these programs the agency approves contracts to provide financial assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns or opportunities to help save energy, improve soil, water, plant, air, animal and related resources on agricultural lands and non-industrial private forest land.
Slough Bill Tax Exemption
Idle land of two or more acres in Mitchell County that offers wildlife/ecological benefits may be eligible for tax exemption through Iowa Code Section 427.1. This includes, but is not limited to, forests, open prairies, and riparian areas. This is a yearly sign up process with applications due every February 1st. If you have land in Mitchell County that may qualify for this exemption, please contact the Mitchell Soil and Water Conservation District for an application and evaluation of the land. Applications can be found here and filled out with the assistance of SWCD staff
Loans
The State Revolving Loan Fund is a low interest program available specifically to assist and encourage landowners to address non-point source pollution of Iowa streams and lakes.
No Interest Loans are available to eligible landowners for the construction of permanent soil conservation practices.
Iowa Financial Incentives Program (State Cost Share)
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship- Division of Soil Conservation & Water Quality (IDALS-DSCWQ) offers voluntary programs to eligible landowners and producers to provide financial assistance for various conservation practices. 50% cost-share is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact the office or complete an online application.
Practices built with these funds must meet NRCS specifications, and are under maintenance agreement for a number of years, depending on the practice.