A practical guide to cost-share programs

August 5, 2025

By Ben Porepp

Key takeaways:

1. Cost-share programs make conservation more accessible and less risky.
2. Expert guidance is essential for success.
3. Conservation is a long-term investment with real results.

For farmers exploring the implementation of conservation practices into their operation, cost-share programs can help reduce potential financial risk while opening the door to a more sustainable and profitable future. Figuring out where to start, who to contact, and what funding is available can be overwhelming, but the conservation team at the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is here to guide and support Iowa farmers every step of the way.

Implementing conservation practices — like cover crops, prairie strips, bioreactors and saturated buffers — is an investment in your land's future. But these practices also cost money. Cost-share programs can help offset implementation costs, making it more feasible for farmers to take the first step in improving soil health and water quality on their farms.

Getting started

Reaching out to a local conservation practitioner should always be your first step. Assistance from an ISA conservation agronomist, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) district conservationist, registered technical service provider or watershed coordinator ensures you're not alone through the process.

By working closely with conservation experts, you minimize potential financial risks and ensure the practice you are implementing maximizes your farm's agronomics and ROI.

Here are some questions to ask these practitioners:

What conservation practices are most suitable for my land?

Tailor your approach to your soil types, slope, crop rotation and conservation goals.

Is in-field support from conservation experts available to help with implementation?

Some programs offer free implementation support for things like conservation planning and engineering.

What programs are currently open for application, and what are the deadlines?

Deadlines can vary widely. Federal programs have strict cutoff dates, while local or nonprofit programs may operate on a rolling basis.

Can I stack funding from multiple sources?

Some programs allow cost-share stacking (e.g., state and private), while others do not. Your practitioner can help ensure you're compliant.

Cost-share and what's out there?

Program funding is most commonly available from federal, state and private sources. Each program has its own eligibility requirements, priorities and funding windows.

Here are some examples of common cost-share programs and an overview of what each provides for farmers:

Federal programs

NRCS, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a major provider of federal cost-share funds. Programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) offer significant support.

EQIP focuses on planning and implementing specific conservation practices.

RCPP helps leverage public/private partnerships to deliver new conservation practices to targeted areas across Iowa.

To apply, work with your local NRCS office to create a conservation plan and meet the application deadline.

State programs

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) offers state cost-share funds for practices like cover crops, no-till and edge-of-field practices. These programs often work through Soil and Water Conservation Districts and can be more flexible and timelier than federal funds. State cost-share programs often pay slightly lower amounts but typically require less paperwork and have shorter wait times compared to federal programs.

Local watershed

Local watershed groups or county-level initiatives may also have targeted cost-share funds supported by state, federal or nonprofit grants. These often focus on priority areas with known water quality concerns.

Nonprofit and private sector funding

ISA, AgOutcomes, Practical Farmers of Iowa and local cooperatives may offer additional cost-share or incentive payments, especially for pilot programs, demonstration projects or research collaborations.

Dollars with direction

Cost-share programs continue to be in high demand, but do they really work?

Farmers say yes. Over the past two years, ISA has seen a significant uptick in the adoption of conservation practices. In that time, ISA has worked alongside more than 400 farmers to implement numerous conservation practices utilizing various cost-share programs. This effort has resulted in the installation of more than 100 edge-of-field practices including oxbow restorations, saturated buffers and bioreactors that are designed to improve water quality and reduce nutrient loss.

ISA has also supported the implementation of in-field practices on more than 125,000 acres of farmland, including cover crops, reduced tillage and no-till systems. More farmers are seeing the benefits of these practices on their own farm, and cost-share programs can help you see them on your own farm.

A long-term investment

Incorporating conservation practices into your farming operation isn't just about cost-share payments; it's a long-term investment in soil health, yield stability and water quality.

While cost-share programs provide valuable financial support, the most successful and lasting conservation efforts are driven by a deeper commitment - a personal conservation goal and a vision for a healthier, more sustainable future.

Cost-share programs are powerful tools that work best when aligned with a farmer's own desire to improve their land, protect water quality and build resilience for the next generation. Incentives can help get practices on the ground, but the long-term rewards of conservation go far beyond any single payment.

Written by Ben Porepp.

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