The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is again offering state cost-share incentives for using cover crops. The program is available to eligible first-time users, as well as returning participants, and is now open for applications at the Scott County SWCD.

The program offers a flat payment rate of $30/acre for first-time users and $20/acre for previous users at a maximum of 160 acres. Acres enrolled for state cost share may not overlap with acres enrolled in any federal cost share program for the cover crop practice. Applications are funded on a first-come first-served basis, but with priority given to first-time users.

The minimum required seeding rates for common cover crop species to be eligible for payment is as follows:

• Cereal Rye – 45lbs/acre with or without incorporation
• Winter Wheat – 45lbs/acre with or without incorporation
• Oats – 60lbs/acre with or without incorporation
• Crimson Clover – 10lbs/acre with incorporation, 11lbs/acre without incorporation
• Radish – 5lbs/acre with incorporation, 6lbs/acre without incorporation

If you have questions about other cover crop species or want to do a mix of species, please contact the office for recommendations and seeding rates.

You can fill out an application at the office or download the file below, then either mail the filled form or email it to rowan.kuechenmeister@ia.nacdnet.net, along with information on which acres you intend to seed and what species.

Position Title: Conservation Technician Intern (480 hours)

Wage: $14 per hour. 

Employment Term: Start date any time after May 1, 2025. Must complete 480 hours by December 31, 2025 with flexibility to complete earlier.

Education: Must be a high school junior or senior or enrolled in college and majoring in a field of study related to agriculture, conservation/environmental sciences, engineering, construction trades, GIS, communications, public relations or urban planning.

Description of Duties:
Rural Conservation – status reviews, assist with surveying, outreach, conservation planning, other duties may be required and assigned as deemed appropriate. 

Urban Conservation – assist with community outreach and education events, assist with the cost share program, grant writing and reporting, other duties may be required and assigned as deemed appropriate

Office – update tract files, direct phone calls, and other office duties as deemed appropriate. 

Skills and Abilities: Must be able to create and maintain positive relationships with the public, communicate effectively both orally and in writing, work independently, and complete work in a timely manner.  The employee must be able to use a computer for the purposes of word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email.  The employee’s direct supervisor will be the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. 

Send cover letter and resume by mail, fax, or email to:
Scott County SWCD
8370 Hillandale Rd
Davenport, IA 52806
phone (563) 391-1403 x 3   fax #(563)-388-0682                                                                  rowan.kuechenmeister@ia.nacdnet.net