Earn up to $50/acre over three years

Farmers for Soil Health offers up to $50/acre over a 3-year period for planting cover crops. Enrollment for cover planted fall ’23 and spring ’24 is open now! Contact an Iowa Soybean Association Conservation Agronomist for help.

Our Purpose

For generations farmers have fed and fueled our nation, with their hands in the soil and heart in the job. They are passionate about the soil that provides for their families and the environment where they live and work every day.

Farmers are making a difference in improving Iowa’s water quality and conserving our soil for future generations. The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance provides the support and coordination to get it done.

Our Mission

IAWA is increasing the pace and scale of farmer-led efforts to improve water quality in Iowa.

Our Motivation

We are all connected by water. From the tap water we drink, to the rivers we enjoy for boating and fishing, and the rain that nourishes our crops, water is important for everyone.

Our Impact

To date, we have secured more than $150 million of investment and resources to help farmers, landowners, and partners improve water quality.

We have connected more than 100 unique organizations to work together to improve water quality including farmers, agricultural associations, conservation organizations, federal, state, and local government leaders, businesses, academic institutions, and urban representatives.

We work with our partners to educate farmers and landowners across the state and inform them of conservation opportunities.

Spotlight Stories

  • Here to help – farmers support farmers in adding regenerative practices

    Here to help – farmers support farmers in adding regenerative practices

    Iowa farmer, Dean Sponheim, nears 100,000 acres of cover crops with his entrepreneurial endeavors, after seeing successful cover crops on his own farm in 2012. By Dan Looker OSAGE, Iowa (IAWA) It’s a warm, sunny February day in Osage, Iowa, where about 100 farmers are gathered inside a meeting hall at the Mitchell County Fairgrounds.[...]Read More »
  • ‘A milestone year’ for Iowa water quality

    ‘A milestone year’ for Iowa water quality

    Record cost share for farmers, increased practices stand out in 2023 ANKENY, Iowa (IAWA) – Iowa saw record investment in water quality and soil health practices in 2023, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) annual Soil Conservation and Water Quality statewide report. The work of IDALS, in collaboration with many public[...]Read More »
  • Iowa regenerative farmer Kelly Garrett named Top Producer Award finalist

    Iowa regenerative farmer Kelly Garrett named Top Producer Award finalist

    DENISON, Iowa (IAWA) – Sixth-generation Iowa farmer and regenerative ag advocate Kelly Garrett is one of just three finalists for the prestigious Farm Journal 2023 Top Producer of the Year award. Qualifying for this Top Producer magazine honor is a big deal for any farmer – the publication’s subscribers must meet operational requirements (2,000+ corn or soybean[...]Read More »