Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District announced May 18 that funding will be available for local farmers and landowners to assist in the installation of conservation practices through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) cost-share program. Interested farmers and landowners should contact the Greene County district office by calling 515-386-3817 Ext. 3.
‘The cost share program is a partnership between the district and local landowners to help get conservation practices on the land that prevent soil erosion and protect water quality. Now is the time for farmers to plan ahead,” said district chair Bill Frederick.
This year the district will encourage cover crops, in which IDALS will provide financial assistance through the local SWCD offices to incentivize their use. Cover crops are extremely beneficial in reducing erosion, retaining nutrients, combating weeds, while at the same time improving water and soil quality. Related management practices such as no-till and ridge till are also being encouraged.
The cost-share rates are variable and depend on the practices used. Farmers should become familiar with the details by calling or visiting the district office.
Other conservation practices eligible for assistance through this program include grass waterways, grade control structures, wind breaks as well as several other practices.
The Greene SWCD staff with IDALS and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service assure the technical quality of the practices and further help farmers develop conservation plans for their farms.
