Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Governor Kim Reynolds are encouraging Iowa farmers to plant cover crops this fall to improve water quality and save money on next year’s crop insurance premiums. The savings are offered through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) Crop Insurance Discount Program.
The innovative annual program, part of the implementation of Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy, provides farmers who plant fall cover crops the opportunity to apply for a $5 per acre discount on their crop insurance premiums. There is no cap on the number of cover crop seeded acres that can receive the crop insurance discount.
“We've seen strong interest in our cover crop cost-share programs this summer and fall, and we anticipate just as much enthusiasm for our Crop Insurance Discount Program when the online sign-up opens in December. This innovative program has been effective in advancing the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy by boosting cover crop adoption while helping farmers reduce their crop insurance costs,” said Secretary Naig. “I encourage farmers and landowners to sign-up online or visit with their crop insurance agent for help to get enrolled. This program is one of multiple options to secure funding for cover crops and conservation practices.”