Posted on May 26, 2020 at 12:38 PM by Iowa Corn
As planting wraps up, there are some opportunities below to consider for implementing conservation practices such as cover crops this year. As we start to reopen from coronavirus closures, below are few resources and be sure to call ahead to make sure in-person events have not been postponed.
Sign up is open for several cost share programs. Below are just a few examples. USDA service centers are open by phone appointment only.
The Iowa Water Quality Initiative has cost share funds available for cover crops, no-till, strip-till, and nitrification inhibitors. Click here for more info.
Sign up is open until June 30 for Pheasant Forever’s Soil Health and Habitat Program, funded by pet care leader Purina. Incentives for precision ag business planning and habitat are available in the prairie pothole region.
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is offering a new pilot program in the prairie pothole states including Iowa. The Soil Health and Income Protection Program is accepting applications until August 21. However, only 50,000 acres are available for this first-come, first-served pilot.
CRP’s continuous sign up program is accepting applications for certain practices such as buffer strips, waterways, and wetlands. Applications are automatically accepted if the applicant meets eligibility requirements.
Finally, Montag Manufacturing will be demonstrating some of its equipment for interseeding cover crops into standing corn. If you’re interested in using the equipment for planting your cover crops, please reply to this email for more information and locations of demonstrations.
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The Importance of Cover Crop Planting
May 28 Wetland Field Day, Webinar
May 28 Effects of Conservation, Webinar
June 2 Benefits of Rye Field Day, Webinar
June 2 Manure Challenge, Webinar
June 10 Treat Cover Crops like Cash Crops, Webinar
June 17 Nishnabotna Watershed Meeting, Oakland
June 23 Beefing Up Your Soil, Traer
June 25 Middle Cedar Watershed Meeting, TBD
July 27-29 Soil and Water Conservation Society Conference, Webinar
Farmer to Farmer: Let’s Talk Networking
Keaton Krueger of Boone County talks about networking with other farmers to find out what works and his philosophy of stewardship.