Due to record demand, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is extending the deadline for farmers to sign up for its cover crop cost-share program through Sept. 18 and is allocating additional funding so that more farmers can participate. 

Farmers who are planting cover crops for the first time are eligible for $30 per acre, while farmers who have previously used cover crops can receive $20 per acre. 

In addition, farmers transitioning acres to no-till or strip-till systems are eligible for $10 per acre. 

Farmers can receive $3 per acre for utilizing a nitrogen inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer. Cost-share funding through the programs is limited to 160 acres per participant. 

Farmers may submit applications immediately through their soil and water conservation offices located in their county USDA Service Center.