Iowa farmers can apply for cost-share funds to help install practices focused on protecting water quality. Practices eligible for this funding are cover crops, no-till, strip till 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 are eligible for $10 per acre, and farmers using a nitrapyrin nitrification inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer can receive $3 per acre. Farmers are eligible for cost share on up to 160 acres, and first-time users will receive priority consideration.

"I hope interested farmers will contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District soon to learn more about the assistance that is available," said Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey.