Program Overview

Receive a one-time incentive payment to establish small native prairie on odds-and-ends areas within or adjacent to crop fields.

Key Benefits

Achieve your goals by receiving technical and financial support to establish native prairies.

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Eligibility

  • Project site must be in Iowa
  • Project site must be within or adjacent to a crop field
  • Project size must be 2 acres* or less

Native prairie seed mix requirements:

  • Pollinator seed mix containing at least 30 total species and 3 blooming species per season (CRP CP42 seed mix meets this requirement)
  • Seeding rates must be at least 40 seeds per square foot

Payment Rate

Participants will receive a flat payment rate of $400 per acre.

Program Requirements

If accepted into the program, you must commit to planting prairie on your farm.

How to Apply

  • Fill out the contact form linked below.
  • Upload a map or a picture with the proposed project area drawn out in the contact form. See example photo.
  • Schedule a consultation. After submitting the contact form, you will automatically be redirected to a bookings page where you can schedule a call with our habitat systems manager.
Apply Now

Program Partners

Funding for this project is made possible by Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship and State Soil Conservation & Water Quality Committee.

Note: Participation in Practical Farmers’ habitat incentives program may also include signing a maintenance agreement or contract with a PFI partner, such as the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Inquire for more details.