Iowa farmers who plant eligible cover crops this fall can receive a $5-per-acre discount on their 2027 crop insurance premiums through a state program.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Crop Insurance Discount Program has no cap on the number of eligible acres. Online enrollment opens Dec. 1 and closes Jan. 22, 2027. Farmers can plant cover crops now and apply during the enrollment period.

“We have seen record interest in cover crops this fall, which is very encouraging as we work with farmers and partners to accelerate conservation and water quality progress across Iowa,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said.

Naig said nearly 1.4 million acres have been enrolled in the state’s cover crop cost-share program this fall, more than double the previous statewide record. More than 340,000 of those acres are in the Greater Des Moines Watershed, according to Naig.

To qualify for the insurance discount, cover crop acres can't be enrolled in other cost-share programs offered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Some insurance policies, including Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and policies covered through written agreements, may not qualify.

Farmers must follow the practices required by their insurance policies and should work with their crop insurance agents to confirm eligibility. The program is jointly administered by the state agriculture department and the USDA Risk Management Agency.

Source - https://cbs2iowa.com