Golden Hills has received funding to help farmers in western Iowa implement regenerative agriculture practices. This includes conservation practices that protect and build soil health, diversify crop species, and integrate livestock.
We are targeting historically underserved farmers as defined by the USDA. This includes Beginning; Socially Disadvantaged; Veterans; and Limited Resource farmers. To be eligible, you must be in one of the following Iowa counties: Audubon, Carroll, Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, or Shelby.
Interested in applying for this program? Follow these steps! 1. Fill out this form.This Letter of Interest has a rolling deadline. This simple form will help determine your eligibility. If eligible, you will be invited to submit a full application. 2. If approved, submit a full application provided by Golden Hills. Application includes maps, shapefiles, photos, and narrative. Golden Hills staff can assist with the application if needed. 3. Full applications for Round 1 are due May 20. Depending on interest and availability of funds, we expect multiple rounds of funds over the next couple of years. 4. Golden Hills staff will score the applications based on the rubric provided. 5. If funding is approved, Golden Hills staff will follow up with a funding agreement and information about disbursement of funds.
Check out the video below for a summary of regenerative agriculture.