Agriculture

Deadlines/Dates
May 14 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season
June 1: The final day to apply for a Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) for Corn or Soybeans
June 19: Office closed in observance of Juneteenth 
July 3: Office closed in observance of Independence Day
July 13-19: Allamakee County Fair
July 15: Deadline to Report Acres
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application

The Iowa Sheep Industry Association, in collaboration with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension, Clayton County Natural Resources Conservation Service and NoFence Virtual Fencing, will host a pasture walk and membership meeting on Saturday, June 6, beginning at 1 p.m. The event will take place in Robert’s Creek, located at 18869 Dalmatian Avenue, Saint Olaf.

The educational pasture walk will highlight such topics as:
• Pasture rotation using virtual fencing technology
• NRCS EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) opportunities
• Timely updates from ISU Extension and Outreach

“This pasture walk is an opportunity for producers to see conservation, technology, and grazing management come together in a real-world setting,” said Carolyn Ihde, small ruminant outreach specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. 

Applications for recognition at 2026 Iowa State Fair will be accepted through June 1

As Iowa celebrates the country’s 250th birthday, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition as part of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) Century and Heritage Farm Program. The Program was created by IDALS and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to honor families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Century Farm Program, which was created in 1976 as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial Celebration. It is also the 20th anniversary of the Heritage Farm Program, which was launched in 2006. Since their inception, more than 21,000 Century Farms and more than 2,000 Heritage Farms from across the state have been recognized.

Deadlines/Dates
May 14 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season
June 1: The final day to apply for a Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) for Corn or Soybeans
June 19: Office closed in observance of Juneteenth 
July 3: Office closed in observance of Independence Day
July 13-19: Allamakee County Fair
July 15: Deadline to Report Acres
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application

Deadlines/Dates
May 14 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season
June 1: The final day to apply for a Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) for Corn or Soybeans
June 19: Office closed in observance of Juneteenth 
July 3: Office closed in observance of Independence Day
July 15: Deadline to Report Acres
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application

State Cover Crop Sign-up Open Now
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is opening the Fiscal-Year 2027 (FY27) sign up period for farmers interested in implementing conservation practices through the Water Quality Initiative (WQI). This includes cost share opportunities for cover crops planted this fall. Soil and Water Conservation Districts can begin taking applications now, and the program guidance this year remains largely the same as last year, with only a few highlighted updates.

Deadlines/Dates
May 14 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season
June 1: The final day to apply for a Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) for Corn or Soybeans
June 19: Office closed in observance of Juneteenth 
July 3: Office closed in observance of Independence Day
July 15: Deadline to Report Acres
August 12: Deadline to submit an SDRP application

Deadlines/Dates
April 30: Deadline to apply for SDRP Stage 1, SDRP Stage 1 Quality Loss, and SDRP Stage 2
May 1: Deadline to submit a Continuous CRP Offer for Second Batching
May 14 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season
June 1: The final day to apply for a Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) for Corn or Soybeans
June 19: Office closed in observance of Juneteenth 

As part of Iowa’s America250 celebration, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting school-aged Iowa students to participate in the 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest. Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, made, and raised food, beverages and agricultural products. The program was launched by Secretary Naig and is supported by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Students are invited to submit artwork that combines Iowa agriculture with a patriotic theme as part of Iowa’s celebration recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States. Submissions should feature at least one aspect of Iowa agriculture, with an emphasis on food, beverages, livestock, crop production, or horticulture, along with elements, themes, or symbols that reflect patriotism or American pride. Submissions will be judged on creativity and connections to agriculture in everyday life, as well as how the artwork incorporates patriotic elements.

Deadlines/Dates
April 30: Deadline to apply for SDRP Stage 1, SDRP Stage 1 Quality Loss, and SDRP Stage 2
May 1: Deadline to submit a Continuous CRP Offer for Second Batching
May 14 - August 2: Primary Nesting Season
June 1: The final day to apply for a Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) for Corn or Soybeans
June 19: Office closed in observance of Juneteenth 

USDA Announces April 2026 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for April 2026, which are effective April 1, 2026. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. 

As Iowa celebrates the country’s 250th birthday, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition as part of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) Century and Heritage Farm Program. The Program was created by IDALS and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to honor families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Century Farm Program, which was created in 1976 as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial Celebration. It is also the 20th anniversary of the Heritage Farm Program, which was launched in 2006. Since their inception, more than 21,000 Century Farms and more than 2,000 Heritage Farms from across the state have been recognized.

Families recognized this year will receive a special America250 seal on their certificate and have their photos taken in front of an America250 backdrop.