We can help rural farmers and homeowners conserve soil and improve water quality through state and federal cost-share and incentive programs.
Federal Conservation Programs
The
Natural Resource Conservation Service oversees a variety of federal funding programs.
Learn more about the programs below and others:
A Guide to Conservation Programs for Iowa Landowners
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
A voluntary program to reduce erosion, increase wildlife habitat, and improve water quality through the application of conservation plans (the landowner sets aside cropland with annual rental payments).
Learn more about CRP
Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)
This program provides technical and financial assistance to willing owners of eligible lands to restore, create, or enhance wetlands through conservation easements and restoration cost-share agreements to improve migratory birds and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and aid in flood control and ground water recharge.
Learn more about WRP
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)
A voluntary program that helps landowners develop wildlife habitat on private lands.
Learn more about WHIP
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Through CSP, NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to eligible producers to conserve and enhance soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. Eligible lands include cropland, grassland, prairie land, improved pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forest lands, agricultural land under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe, and other private agricultural land (including cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural land used for the production of livestock) on which resource concerns related to agricultural production could be addressed. Participation in the program is voluntary.
Learn more about CSP
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
EQIP is a voluntary conservation program that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality. This program is available to farmers, and offers financial and technical assistance to install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land.
Learn more about EQIP
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic
Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) the Organic Initiative provides financial assistance to National Organic Program (NOP) certified producers, as well as producers in the process of transitioning to organic production.
Learn more about EQIP
Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)
This voluntary conservation program that helps private landowners and operators restore and protect grassland, including rangeland and pastureland.
Learn more about GRP
Small and Limited and Beginning Farmer and Rancher's Incentives
The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) continues to address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, as well as beginning and limited resource farmers and ranchers. It provides for voluntary participation, offers incentives, and focuses on equity in accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and services.
Learn more
State Cost-Share Funds
The Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District manages state cost share funds. Fund allocations are made to soil and water conservation districts, commissioners set priorities for their use, and field office staff assure the technical quality of practices built. State cost share can be used for temporary or permanent practices.
Learn more about State Cost-Share Funds
State Loan Program
The Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District coordinates loans in cooperation with financial institutions and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) Division of Soil Conservation.
Learn more about State Loan Programs
