Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Governor Kim Reynolds are encouraging farmers around the state to consider planting cover crops once they’ve finished harvesting corn and soybeans.

This can help improve water quality, and allow farmers to save money on next year’s crop insurance through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) Crop Insurance Discount Program. The program is part of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, and provides farmers who plant fall cover crops the opportunity to apply for a $5 per acre discount on crop insurance. Sign up for the program begins December 1st, and will close January 23, 2026.