March 31, 2022

2022 March Stewardship Advocate

MONTHLY UPDATE FROM BEN GLEASON, IOWA CORN SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS MANAGER

Spring has officially arrived! And an important deadline for cost share applications is quickly approaching.

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has set April 8 as the next cutoff date for applications for financial assistance from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Both programs provide cost share funding for a variety of conservation practices including no till, cover crops, terraces, and nutrient management. Visit your local NRCS office to find out which program works best for you.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has announced two new projects to accelerate adoption of conservation drainage practices to reduce nitrogen loss and improve water quality. IDALS is partnering with the City of Cedar Rapids and local soil and water conservation districts to launch the Cedar River Clean Water Partnership. Farmers in the Middle Cedar watershed will be eligible for incentives through a streamlined process to build edge-of-field practices such as bioreactors and saturated buffers. Click here for more information.

IDALS is also partnering with the City of Ames and Story Soil and Water Conservation District to improve water quality in the South Skunk River. The project will cover construction costs and provide technical assistance for the installation of bioreactors and saturated buffers. Click here for more information.

Finally, be sure to nominate your friends and neighbors for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards. Nominations will be accepted until May 2 with the awards ceremony in August at the State Fair. Click here for more information.