2021 May Stewardship Advocate

Posted on May 25, 2021 at 10:51 AM by Iowa Corn

MONTHLY UPDATE FROM BEN GLEASON, IOWA CORN SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS MANAGER

What a Spring! Despite a pandemic and large areas of drought, planting has been near record pace. Let’s hope the rest of the growing season cooperates.

The Iowa state legislature has wrapped up its 2021 session with good news for water quality. Legislators passed a 10-year extension of Senate File 512 which will provide long-term, dependable funding through 2039. These funds will be used for rural and urban projects to improve soil health and water quality to advance the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Click here for Secretary Naig’s legislative highlights.

Speaking of water quality funding, here are a few opportunities for financial assistance for conservation practices:

Farmers can sign up for state cost share funds for cover crops, no-till, strip-till, or nitrification inhibitors for this fall. First time cover crop users are eligible for $25/acre while experienced cover crop users can receive $15/acre. Reduced tillage acres are eligible for $10/acre and using a nitrapyrin nitrification inhibitor with fall fertilizer is eligible for $3/acre. Click here for more information.
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) wants to enroll four million acres and has increased rental payments and incentives. Click here for more information.
The Soil Health and Income Protection Program is accepting applications in the prairie pothole region until July 16. This is a voluntary program with 3- to 5- year contracts. It’s a lighter version of CRP. Click here for more information.

With planting wrapping up, field days and other events are ramping up. Be sure to check out the events listed below and tune in to the Big Show on Wednesdays for Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here.

Finally, the Soil Health Partnership is ending May 28, 2021. After seven years, the project has raised awareness about soil health and demonstrated the economic and environmental benefits of soil health practices. It has built a great foundation for others to continue this work. Thanks to all the farmers and staff who participated with SHP! Click here for its farewell blog.