Conservation Compass

Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) Extended Rotations

Modified On
April 6, 2026

Get cost share for incorporating small grain through this private program that stacks well with other PFI programs and/or federal cost share. The goal of the program is enhancing soil quality and reducing reliance on synthetic inputs.

Info at a Glance

Lead Organization

Practical Farmers of Iowa

Funding Source

Private

Agronomist Support?

Yes

Eligibility:

Certified organic fields are not eligible; Producer must do one or both of the following scenarios: (1) Raise a small grain that will be harvested and followed with a cover crop that includes a legume. (2) Reduce N rates on corn after a small grain rotation + cover crop/legume hay crop.

Location

Statewide

Contract Length

1 year

Deadline

July 1, 2026

Sign-up Process

Enroll ASAP to reserve acres since funding is limited. If you’re interested in the N reduction portion, you’ll book a consultation with a PFI agronomist. Once you receive an agreement from PFI, it must be signed within 30 days. At program’s end, you’ll confirm you followed through and provide documentation. Payments are processed by Oct. 30, 2026.

Pros and Cons

  • Fits nicely into PFI's suite of cost share programs to help producers transition to more regenerative management practices.
  • Great for livestock producers who need forage
  • Get agronomist support with the goal of reducing your reliance on expensive inputs
  • Limited funding, so program may close early if all acres are filled early
  • Cannot overlap with privately funded carbon market programs.

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.

EQIP/RCPP

RCPP and EQIP are both USDA programs administered through NRCS and offer some of the highest payment rates. Often, the rates are similar, which is why we have them grouped here. However, RCPP rates can sometimes differ because RCPP is based on individual project areas within the state of Iowa.


Learn more

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

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