Water quality practices can be implemented through the Livestock Water Quality Program (LWQP). The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality administers a program focused on installing water quality practices in collaboration with the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts across the state. Landowners can apply for conservation loans from the State Revolving Fund and borrow up to $500,000 with a maximum interest rate of 3% with terms of up to 15 years.

The LWQP provides low-interest loans to livestock producers. The aim of the program is to prevent, minimize, or eliminate non-point source pollution from animal feeding operations in rivers and streams in Iowa. Manure management lagoons, roofed manure management structures, and fencing for rotational grazing are eligible practices for this program.

Existing operations under 1,000 animal units can apply for the loan and it could involve closing existing open feed lots depending on the scope of the project.

The loans can only be applied to projects or be combined with existing state or federal cost share funds such as the Environmental Quality Incentives. To discuss the program, contact your local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services office.