Practical Farmers of Iowa Cover Crop Business Accelerator

Since 2020, PFI and the Iowa Soybean Association have partnered to provide the Cover Crop Business Accelerator to new and established cover-crop seed and application businesses (custom seeding, seed cleaning, seed production) around the Midwest, currently limited to Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota businesses. As of the most recent report, 106 cover crop businesses across the Midwest have taken part, with over $650,000 invested in cover crop businesses. Funding made possible by Builders Initiative and the Walmart Foundation.

For farmers and entrepreneurs looking to open or grow a cover crop business (custom seeding, seed cleaning, seed production) who reside or do business in Iowa, Nebraska or Minnesota, and are willing to meet with a business growth consultant and engage in mentorship/networking.

Key benefits include: business growth consulting; agronomic support; capital investment cost-share (10% of equipment/business expenses, up to $5,000); custom-seeding incentive payments of $3 per acre, guaranteed up to $5,000; seed-production incentive payments of $20 per acre, guaranteed up to $2,000; and networking/educational events.

Applications are currently closed; fill out the interest form at https://airtable.com/appQLtK9Bk9t4jK3a/pagZh9br0F0s6R8Zi/form to be notified when the next enrollment period opens (expected January 2027).