Farmers can now apply for financial aid to help protect Iowa’s water quality.

Funds are available for cover crops, no-till or strip till and/or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer. The cost share rate for first-time users of cover crops is $25 per acre, no-till or strip till is $10 per acre and using a nitrification inhibitor is $3 per acre. Farmers are eligible for cost share of up to 160 acres. First-time users will receive priority consideration for funds, while those who have used the Water Quality Initiative funds in the past, will have funds available for cover crops for cost share assistance at $15 per acre.

Contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District for more information.