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Feb. 11, 2025Des Moines, Iowa |  By: Jeremy Werner

IA Soybean Association concerned about federal funding pause

farmers

DES MOINES, Iowa - A federal funding pause is putting Iowa farmers at risk.

The Iowa Soybean Association says payments promised under the USDA’s Climate-Smart Commodity Program have been suspended, leaving farmers without reimbursement for conservation practices they’ve already implemented.

The program, launched in 2022, supports conservation efforts like cover cropping and reduced tillage across 12 Midwest states. More than 1,000 farms are enrolled, with nearly 300,000 acres in Iowa alone.

On average, farmers receive $33 per acre, with total payments expected to reach $114 million over the project’s lifetime.

ISA President Brent Swart says the USDA’s sudden halt in funding leaves Iowa farmers owed $11 million for 2024 efforts, jeopardizing investments in equipment and operations.

The organization is now urging Iowa’s Congressional delegation to push the USDA to honor its commitments.