State Cost Share
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) receives appropriations from the state legislature, and each Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) receives its allocation of funding for cost share programs at the beginning of the state fiscal year (July 1). SWCDs may also receive supplemental funding at other times during the year.
The Kossuth SWCD takes applications requesting cost share for soil and water conservation practices from producers on an ongoing basis. Cost share funding is obligated to projects as funding is available and if approved by the SWCD Commissioners.
Producers MUST have an application approved and follow NRCS specifications to qualify for funding. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Kossuth Soil & Water State Cost Share Programs
District Buffer Initiative - Statewide
The District Buffer Initiative provides financial support to help landowners establish and maintain conservation buffers that protect soil, water, and wildlife habitat across Iowa.
Available Incentives Include:
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Field Borders: $200 per acre incentive payment, paired with a required 5-year maintenance agreement.
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Continuous CRP Incentive Payments: Support for CP21 filter strips, CP42 pollinator habitat, and other qualifying conservation practices. Maintenance agreements align with the term of the CRP contract.
This program helps landowners implement effective conservation strategies while receiving financial assistance for long-term stewardship.
IFIP
Iowa Financial Incentive Program
The IFIP program provides cost-share assistance to help producers implement approved conservation practices that improve soil health and reduce erosion.
Eligible Practices & Payments
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Grassed Waterways: 50% cost share
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Terraces: 50% cost share
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Grade Stabilization Structures: 50% cost share
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Cover Crops: $25 per acre (previous participants eligible)
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No-Till / Strip-Till: $10 per acre (previous participants eligible)
Program Guidelines
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Maximum $4,000 per producer for cover crops and/or no-till/strip-till (per district policy).
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Funding can be awarded only once per practice type under state policy.
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1–4 year contract options available; multi-year contracts must be applied to the same acres.
REAP
(Resource Enhancement and Protection
The REAP program provides financial assistance to support long-term conservation efforts that improve soil health, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat.
Available Practices & Cost Share
• Pasture & Hayland Plantings
50% cost share for converting row-crop acres, paired with a 5-year maintenance agreement.
• Windbreaks
75% cost share, up to $1,600 maximum
— Up to $30 per tree
— Up to $4.50 per shrub
Includes a required 20-year maintenance agreement to ensure long-term protection benefits.
• Critical Area Planting
50% cost share with a 5-year maintenance agreement.
Additional Options
Other qualifying conservation practices may also be available depending on site needs and program eligibility.
WQI
(Water Quality Initiative)
The Water Quality Initiative (WQI) offers cost-share assistance to help producers adopt conservation practices that improve water quality and reduce nutrient loss across Iowa. Eligible practices are supported for up to 160 acres.
Available Practices & Rates
• Cover Crops – $30/acre
For first-time cover crop users.
• Cover Crops – $20/acre
For producers who have used cover crops previously.
• No-Till, Strip-Till & Ridge-Till – $10/acre
Available for first-time adopters of these practices.
• Nitrification Inhibitor – $3/acre
For first-time users of Nitrapyrin only.