Hidden Gems… Lesser-Known State-Funded Conservation Cost-Share Programs

Take a deep dive with Steve Riggins and Doug Roupp into the state-funded cost-share programs that are available through your local U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center.

• Doug Ruopp grew up on a farm in Marshall County, Iowa, and spent 18 years working as a conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Today, he serves as a district conservationist with the USDA. He and his wife, LeighAnn are raising a herd of cows on their Marshalltown, Iowa, farm. They have three beloved dogs: Keystone, Lola and Penny.
• Steve Riggins and his wife, Crystal, have been farming since 2014. The Riggins farm comprises 200 acres of conventional row crops. Steve and Crystal are in the process of converting the farm into pasture lands and organic production. Steve also teaches graphic design at Des Moines Area Community College.