Conservation Programs

The Problem? Extensive Erosion

Soil is naturally removed by the action of water or wind. The problem comes into play when the soil is lost at a faster rate than it is formed.  Agricultural practices may leave the land unprotected and vulnerable. During times of erosive rainfall or windstorms, soil may be detached, transported, and deposited (possibly travelling a long distance). This has impacts which are both on-site (at the place where the soil is detached) and off-site (wherever the eroded soils ends up). Examples of off-site impacts include the filling of streams and ditches, reducing the quality and quantity of wildlife habitat.

Conservation programs help to repair and prevent damage to our environment.  Waterways convey runoff from terraces, diversions, or other water concentrations. The grass in the waterway protects the soil from erosion caused by concentrated flows, while carrying water down slope. It traps sediment and increases filtration so that other pollutants, such as pesticides and nutrients, can be reduced from surface runoff. The grassed waterway also offers diversity and cover for wildlife.

Federal Cost Share Assistance Programs

Follow this link: www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov

EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentive Program) is a cost-share and incentive-based program to assist landowners in applying conservation practices to promote agricultural production and environmental quality.
CSP (Conservation Stewardship Program) rewards producers while motivating to increase conservation on the land they operate. CSP provides incentives for nutrient and pest management, wildlife habitat, improving soil organic matter and conserving energy.
WRP (Wetland Reserve Program) assists in the restoration, enhancement or creation of wetlands. These restored wetlands provide important flood reduction as well as wildlife habitat and other environmental benefits. Over 126,000 acres of wetlands have been restored or are in the process of being restored under these programs in Iowa since 1992.

Iowa Financial Incentive Programs

Follow this link: http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/soilConservation.asp for information about the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship- Division of Soil Conservation.

Follow this link: https://idals.iowa.gov/FARMS/ to complete an online application for State Cost Share Assistance for conservation practices.

There are State Cost Share funds available for conservation practices such as grassed waterways, terraces, structures, wetland restoration and no-till. Please apply at least 6 months ahead of when the practice is planned for construction.
REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection) cost share is available for practices such as farmstead windbreaks, forest stand improvement, tree planting and grass planting is also available.

Maintenance Agreement Checklist

Practices built with State Cost Share funds are under a maintance agreement for a number of years, depending on the practice.  There are Maintenance Agreement checklists which are tools to help cost share recipients know what is expected from them after their practice has been installed.  By encouraging annual maintenance, structures will be more apt to function at the highest efficiency.  Proof of maintenance would also be the first step in qualifying for disaster funds for repairs.  There are 3 checklists:

Vegetative/Management
Forestry
Structural 

Some information on Farmstead Windbreaks

Farmstead windbreaks protect homes, buildings, equipment and animals.

Drifting Snow- prevents or greatly reduces drifting snow around buildings, walkways, roadways and in feedlots.

Cold Winter Winds- protects the farm, family and animals by reducing wind velocities.

Energy Consumption- lowers the cost of home heating, heating livestock and machine maintenance buildings, livestock feed and snow removal.

State Revolving Fund / Low Interest Loan

Funding is available for Installing Cost Share Practices and Livestock Operations (as of October 2008, equipment purchases are no longer eligible.) Applications are available from the Howard SWCD office.

Click the links below for details.
Livestock Water Quality Program
Local Water Protection Program
Stormwater Quality Practices

Continuous CRP

The Conservation Reserve Program reduces soil erosion, protects the nation’s ability to produce food and fiber, reduces sedimentation in streams and lakes, improves water quality, establishes wildlife habitat, and enhances forest and wetland resources. It encourages farmers to convert highly erodible cropland or other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as cool season or native grasses, wildlife plantings, or trees.
Farmers receive an annual rental payment, determined by averaging the rate for the top three soils found in the CRP area, for the term of the multi-year contract. Cost sharing is provided to establish the vegetative cover practices.

There are many practices available to implement on the land, see below.