Production Blog

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (DTN) -- Applications are now being accepted for Practical Farmers of Iowa's (PFI) 2026 cover crop cost-share program. Conventional corn and soybean farmers in Iowa and select counties in Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin are eligible. The program provides $15 per acre on an unlimited number of acres of fall-seeded cover crops, plus one-on-one agronomic support.

"We know cover crops can reduce erosion, suppress weeds and improve soil health, but the upfront cost can keep farmers from trying them or expanding acres," said Sean Dengler, PFI's crop nutrition coordinator, in a news release. "This program helps offset the cost while giving farmers the support they need to make cover crops work on their farm."

In 2025, more than 2,400 farmers received $10 million in PFI cost-share funds to plant cover crops on more than 900,000 acres. PFI is a nonprofit with more than 9,000 members that equips farmers to build resilient farms and communities.

"Each year, thousands of farmers use this program because they've seen the value cover crops bring to their farms," Dengler said. "Whether the goal is improving water infiltration, reducing erosion, suppressing weeds or strengthening the operation for the next generation, the program helps farmers take the next step with confidence."

Those who participate must establish a cover crop that will precede a corn or soybean crop the following spring. Eligible cover crops can be a single species or a multi-species mix, and eligible species can winterkill or overwinter. Seeding rates are at the discretion of the farmer.

Cover crops must be seeded by Dec. 1. Acres must be conventionally managed; certified organic acres are not eligible. Farmers who did not grow corn in 2026 but include corn in their crop rotation remain eligible for the cost-share program.

In one change from previous years, farmers who feed all their grain to livestock or use all grain on the farm are not eligible. However, grazing and mechanical harvest of cover crops is allowed and encouraged.

Farmers also can stack the PFI cost-share fund with other publicly funded programs, including federal and state cost-share programs as well as Farmers for Soil Health.

In addition to cost-share dollars, participants also receive a complimentary one-year PFI membership, connecting them with a community of experienced cover-crop users and practical resources to help answer their questions.

Nebraska row crop and livestock farmer Brian Brhel has participated in the PFI cost-share program since 2023.

"Using plants as a tool to release nutrients, compete against weed pressure and shade the soil is something I believe in," Brhel said. "PFI's assistance to continue learning in this space is important and appreciated."

The online application takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Enrollment is first-come, first-served and will close once available acres are filled. Full details and the application form are available at https://practicalfarmers.org/….

Funding for this program is made possible by PepsiCo and Cargill.

The deadline to enroll in Farmers for Soil Health is Aug. 31, 2026. Read more about that program here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

Jason Jenkins can be reached at jason.jenkins@dtn.com

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