What's Up at the USDA Office?
Deadlines/Dates
May 14 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season
June 1: The final day to apply for a Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) for Corn or Soybeans
June 19: Office closed in observance of Juneteenth
July 3: Office closed in observance of Independence Day
July 15: Deadline to Report Acres
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application
State Cover Crop Sign-up Open Now
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is opening the Fiscal-Year 2027 (FY27) sign up period for farmers interested in implementing conservation practices through the Water Quality Initiative (WQI). This includes cost share opportunities for cover crops planted this fall. Soil and Water Conservation Districts can begin taking applications now, and the program guidance this year remains largely the same as last year, with only a few highlighted updates.
For cover crops, payment rates depend on whether a farmer is a first time user or someone who has planted cover crops before. First time users will receive a higher rate of $30 per acre, with a maximum of 160 acres per FARMS account. This includes individual, partnership, or corporate accounts - each one can potentially receive up to 160 acres of funding as long as the acres do not overlap. Previous users will receive $20 per acre, also up to 160 acres, but those applications may not be funded until first time users are approved, depending on available funds.
Cover crop acres cannot receive WQI funding if they already receive payments from other IDALS programs, EQIP, CSP, or NRCS’s Regenerative Pilot Project for the same practice. However, many privately led conservation incentive programs do allow participation alongside state programs, and IDALS places no restrictions on participation in those private programs. Farmers may also have the opportunity this fall to sign up for the Cover Crop–Crop Insurance Demonstration Project, but only acres not funded by any state or federal cover crop program will qualify for that insurance premium discount.
To participate, applicants must follow all seeding deadlines for fall planting and must provide documentation to verify the practice. This includes seed bills or, if using homegrown seed, an IP 5 form with germination and purity testing results. They must also submit either the NRCS Cover Crop Seeding Plan (340 IA IR) or an IDALS Cover Crop Seeding Verification Form. Funded acres cannot be fall tilled after planting, and harvesting the cover crop for seed or grain will require repayment of cost share. IDALS encourages districts to share available handouts and guidance documents with applicants to help them meet the required standards.
All applications will be entered into the FARMS system, and first time user applications can be moved forward toward funding right away. Previous user cover crop applications must wait in initial review status until IDALS notifies districts to proceed. Applicants will need to sign a maintenance and eligibility agreement before funds are obligated, and they must submit their final expense documentation by April 1. Missing this deadline will cancel the application.
Overall, the Statewide WQI Cover Crop program continues to provide a valuable opportunity for both new and returning farmers to reduce the cost of planting cover crops while improving soil health and water quality. With sign up opening now and fall seeding approaching, interested producers are encouraged to apply early to secure funding.
