Published Feb 10, 2026

Cover Crop Business Accelerator Opens Applications for 2026
By Elizabeth Wilhelm
Program helps build infrastructure needed to meet growing farmer demand

Contact: Elizabeth Wilhelm | Senior Media Relations Coordinator | (515) 232-5661 | elizabeth.wilhelm@practicalfarmers.org

AMES, Iowa (Feb. 10, 2026) — To support continued cover crop adoption across the Midwest, Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Iowa Soybean Association are now accepting applications for the Cover Crop Business Accelerator (CCBA) program.

Now in its seventh year, the program helps new and established cover crop businesses expand to meet rising farmer demand for cover crop seed and application.

“As cover crop use continues to grow, strong local infrastructure is needed to meet farmer demand,” Ann Krause, PFI’s senior field crops business coordinator, says. “When these businesses succeed, farmers have more options and fewer barriers to getting cover crops on the ground.”

Cover crop acres in Iowa have grown quickly in recent years. Iowa farmers planted more than 3.8 million acres of cover crops in 2024, up from about 1.6 million acres in 2017, according to the 2017–2024 Nutrient Reduction Survey Results.

Even with that growth, cover crops are still used on only a fraction of Iowa’s farmland. Keeping cover crop acreage growing will require more cover crop seed and more applicators across the landscape.

To address this, CCBA participants receive personalized business coaching, agronomy assistance and financial support. Funding can be used to offset equipment costs and provide incentives for seeding.

“The Cover Crop Business Accelerator program, created in partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa, is helping farmers learn from each other and adopt cover crops with confidence,” Mike Gilman, ISA’s senior conservation program manager, says. “Together, we’re expanding cover crop use while improving soil health, protecting water quality and strengthening the future of our farms.”

Ryan Wolf of Keosauqua, Iowa, is a current CCBA participant.

“If you have a cover crop business, it’s a no-brainer for me,” Ryan says. “The people you meet and network with at the events are absolutely wonderful, all doing similar work in different parts of Iowa and across the Midwest. I’d definitely do it again.”

Applications are open and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis with priority for farmers in Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota.

To apply, visit practicalfarmers.org/cover-crop-business-accelerator-program. For questions, contact Ann Krause at (515) 232-5661 or ann.krause@practicalfarmers.org/.

This program is funded by Builders Vision Philanthropy and the Walmart Foundation.

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About Practical Farmers: Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit with more than 9,000 members that equips farmers to build resilient farms and communities. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities. To learn more, visit http://practicalfarmers.org.