Palo Alto Soil & Water Conservation District

Palo Alto Soil & Water Conservation District Soil and Water conservation and wildlife habitat within Palo Alto County Iowa

Since 1952, the Conservation District of Iowa (CDI) organization has been working with the 100 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Iowa to promote restoration and conservation of soil, water and related resources in each county. With assistance from the USDA, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), the NACD & CDI, Iowa Le

arning Farms, our local Iowa Lakes Community College (ILCC), county FFA students as well as other local organizations including Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, ISU and the County Conservation board, we work to assist county producers on critical areas of need. Thank-you to everyone who tries, every day, to think of Conservation and especially to all of you who work at your projects. Without your help and diligence, we couldn’t continue on doing the job we do for soil and water conservation in Palo Alto County.

For all the hay and pasture users out there....this is another new program we can assist with!
08/20/2026

For all the hay and pasture users out there....this is another new program we can assist with!

You can sign up for a $25/ac Cover Crop on up to 500 acres!Stop in and see us today!Money is allocated on a first come, ...
08/20/2026

You can sign up for a $25/ac Cover Crop on up to 500 acres!
Stop in and see us today!
Money is allocated on a first come, first served basis.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture announced a plan Monday to provide money for water quality projects in 22 counties above the Des Moines metro watershed. The program uses funds in the Farm to Faucet water quality package approved by the legislature and recently signed into law by the governor. The...

FYI...📣 There's money 💵 available for Cover Crops 🌾 @ $45/ac and Strip/No-Till @ $25/ac within these watersheds!!Stop in...
08/20/2026

FYI...
📣 There's money 💵 available for Cover Crops 🌾 @ $45/ac and Strip/No-Till @ $25/ac within these watersheds!!
Stop in today and get signed 📝 up.

08/17/2026

Our photo contest is taking place in August this year, as this is when our fundraiser will be!

08/17/2026

Applications are now open for our N Rate Risk Protection Program! This program helps corn farmers explore their economical nitrogen rate with support from a PFI agronomist.

Participants receive $5 per acre for every enrolled acre with a reduced nitrogen plan. If your yield falls below 95% of your farm’s 10-year average after following the plan, you'll receive an additional $30 per acre.

Farmers who are new to reducing inputs – as well as those who have already reduced their nitrogen rates – can participate.

Learn more and enroll today: https://bit.ly/4wLiV4G

08/17/2026
These are similar here in Palo Alto County!
08/05/2026

These are similar here in Palo Alto County!

🌱 2026 COVER CROP OPPORTUNITIES — PUT YOUR ACRES TO WORK THIS FALL 🌱

Cover crops are more than just a conservation practice — they can be a way to improve soil health, protect your nutrient investment, and potentially bring additional income back to your operation.

For Humboldt County and surrounding areas, farmers may have several programs available for 2026 cover crop acres, including:

✅ Crop Insurance Discount Program
💰 $5/acre crop insurance premium discount
✔ Simple option for farmers already planting cover crops

✅ NRCS EQIP Cover Crop Program
💰 Often $40–$65+/acre depending on practice and eligibility
✔ Great option for farmers looking for cost-share support and long-term soil improvements

✅ NRCS CSP Conservation Stewardship Program
💰 Annual payments that can add value when combining multiple conservation practices

✅ Iowa Water Quality Initiative & Other Private Programs
💰 Potential incentives that may range from $15–$40+/acre depending on the program and funding availability

📅 Timing Matters

For fall-planted cover crops following corn or soybeans:

Late August – September
⭐ Ideal planting window for most winter-kill mixes
⭐ Allows enough growth for nutrient capture and soil protection

October
✔ Still possible, especially with fast-establishing species, but growth potential decreases

Before enrolling acres:
✔ Check program deadlines
✔ Confirm eligibility with NRCS, FSA, your crop insurance agent, or local conservation partners
✔ Make sure program rules allow any combination of incentives you choose

🌿 Cover Crop Options That Will Winter Kill

Looking for spring planting flexibility? Consider species that naturally terminate with Iowa winter temperatures:

🌱 Oats

- Excellent fall growth
- Captures leftover nitrogen
- Easy spring management
- One of the most common winter-kill choices

🌱 Radishes / Tillage Radish

- Fast fall growth
- Helps scavenge nutrients
- Improves soil structure

🌱 Winter Peas

- Adds diversity
- Provides nitrogen fixation benefits
- Usually winter-kills in Iowa conditions

🌱 Oats + Radish Mix
⭐ A popular combination for corn/soybean rotations

- Fast establishment
- Good nutrient capture
- Minimal spring termination concerns

Cover crops can help turn the time between harvest and planting into an investment in your soil.

📲 Planning fall application now can help make sure you don’t miss out on available programs and incentives.

Address

3302 Main Street
Emmetsburg, IA
50536

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+17128523386

Website

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