Conservation Compass

Boone River Watershed WQI

Modified On
April 20, 2026

The Boone River Watershed is a priority area for the state WQI program. This state incentive is popular because it’s easy to sign up for and accepts both new and continuing acres; but sign up early. Funds are first come, first served.

Info at a Glance

Lead Organization

IDALS

Funding Source

State

Agronomist Support?

Yes

Eligibility:

For both new and continuing acres

Location

Boone Watershed

Contract Length

1 year

Deadline

Until funds run out. Recommend signing up before July.

Sign-up Process

Sign-up process takes 1-7 days at your local SWCD. Payment is usually made before Jan 1, but can depend on how quickly farmer brings in proof of planting (for cover crop)

Pros and Cons

  • Easy to sign up for with substantial rates
  • Priority watershed offers no acre cap on cover crops and has faster funding approval
  • Funds go fast so you have to sign up early!
  • Other practices do have an acre cap


Rates:

$25/acre

Notes:

No acre limit



Helpful Links

Program Website

CONTACT IAWA Find Conservation Agronomist Conservation Compass Home

Stacks well with:

Always check with program rep before signing up for multiple programs. Learn more about stacking here.

Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) Cover Crop Program

PFI offers a straightforward program that many farmers come back to year after year for its ease of use and easy stackability with public funding.


Learn more

Farmers for Soil Health

A program made by farmers for farmers, this is a USDA grant funded initially by the Climate Smart Program (Now known as the Advancing Markets For Producers program). New in 2026, payments are $35 per acre for all farmers, not just those who are new to cover crops, and must sign up before seeding.


Learn more

Ducks Unlimited AMP

This is a pork producer-centric program that offers funding and technical support for cover crops, reduced tillage, buffers, and livestock integration. National Pork Board is the lead organization, but it’s not limited to only pork producers.


Learn more

Looking for help?
Search our Agronomist Directory.

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