Agriculture

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.

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

Deadlines/Dates
April 30: Deadline to apply for SDRP Stage 1, SDRP Stage 1 Quality Loss, and SDRP Stage 2
May 1: Deadline to submit a Continuous CRP Offer for Second Batching
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 

As part of Iowa’s America250 celebration, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting school-aged Iowa students to participate in the 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest. Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, made, and raised food, beverages and agricultural products. The program was launched by Secretary Naig and is supported by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Students are invited to submit artwork that combines Iowa agriculture with a patriotic theme as part of Iowa’s celebration recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States. Submissions should feature at least one aspect of Iowa agriculture, with an emphasis on food, beverages, livestock, crop production, or horticulture, along with elements, themes, or symbols that reflect patriotism or American pride. Submissions will be judged on creativity and connections to agriculture in everyday life, as well as how the artwork incorporates patriotic elements.

Deadlines/Dates
April 30: Deadline to apply for SDRP Stage 1, SDRP Stage 1 Quality Loss, and SDRP Stage 2
May 1: Deadline to submit a Continuous CRP Offer for Second Batching
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 

USDA Announces April 2026 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for April 2026, which are effective April 1, 2026. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. 

As Iowa celebrates the country’s 250th birthday, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition as part of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) Century and Heritage Farm Program. The Program was created by IDALS and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to honor families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Century Farm Program, which was created in 1976 as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial Celebration. It is also the 20th anniversary of the Heritage Farm Program, which was launched in 2006. Since their inception, more than 21,000 Century Farms and more than 2,000 Heritage Farms from across the state have been recognized.

Families recognized this year will receive a special America250 seal on their certificate and have their photos taken in front of an America250 backdrop.

Deadlines/Dates
April 17: Deadline to submit a General CRP Offer; Deadline to apply for the Farmer’s Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program
April 30: Deadline to apply for SDRP Stage 1, SDRP Stage 1 Quality Loss, and SDRP Stage 2
May 14 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season 

Is it too early to do a prescribed burn on Prairie CRP?

by Greg Schmitt, DNR Private Lands Biologist

Deadlines/Dates
April 17: Deadline to submit a General CRP Offer; Deadline to apply for the Farmer’s Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program
April 30: Deadline to apply for SDRP Stage 1, SDRP Stage 1 Quality Loss, and SDRP Stage 2
May 14 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season 

USDA Announces Changes to Livestock Insurance Programs for 2026 and Subsequent Years
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) approved changes to improve insurance coverage for American livestock producers. These updates will take effect for the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP), Livestock Gross Margin (LGM), and Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) insurance programs beginning with the 2026 crop year.

Deadlines/Dates
March 9: General CRP Opens
April 17: Deadline to submit a General CRP Offer; Deadline to apply for the Farmer’s Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program
April 30: Deadline to apply for SDRP Stage 1, SDRP Stage 1 Quality Loss, and SDRP Stage 2
May 14 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season 

Exploring Land Restoration Options for Allamakee Producers
For Allamakee producers considering how to manage their land for both productivity and environmental benefit, exploring various options can be valuable. Many farmers across the Midwest have found approaches that integrate conservation with their agricultural operations. It’s often observed that certain areas within a farm’s fields may not consistently produce high yields.

Deadlines/Dates
March 9: General CRP Opens
March 20: Deadline to submit a Continuous CRP Offer
April 17: Deadline to submit a General CRP Offer; Deadline to apply for the Farmer’s Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program
April 30: Deadline to apply for SDRP Stage 1, SDRP Stage 1 Quality Loss, and SDRP Stage 2
May 14 – August 2: Primary Nesting Season 

FSA Interest Rates for March 2026 Commodity: 
9-month = 4.500%
Facility Loans:
3 yr. = 3.625%
5 yr. = 3.750%
7 yr. = 4.000%
10 yr. = 4.250%
12 yr. = 4.375%