Farmers Rewarded for Conservation Practices That Protect Water Quality

Unique concept from 2018 Farm Bill could provide 'good driver' discounts on crop insurance for no-till, cover crop, and conservation-minded farmers.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:27am

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric shapes, intersecting waveforms, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually illustrating the complex interplay of natural forces and human agricultural impacts on water quality.An abstract visual representation of the intricate relationship between sustainable farming practices and water quality protection.Des Moines Today

A unique concept that was considered during the writing of the 2018 Farm Bill could provide financial incentives for farmers who use no-till, cover crops, and other conservation practices to protect soil and water quality. The idea is to offer these farmers a 'good driver discount' on their crop insurance premiums, similar to auto insurance rewards for safe driving.

Why it matters

Protecting water quality is a growing concern, with issues like nitrate pollution leading to lawsuits and regulations. This proposal aims to proactively reward farmers who are already taking steps to limit nutrient runoff and soil erosion through sustainable farming methods like no-till and cover crops.

The details

The proposed 'good driver discount' for crop insurance would provide financial incentives for farmers who use conservation practices like no-till, cover crops, and diverse crop rotations. Advocates believe this could put more money in the pockets of no-till farmers while also dramatically reducing soil erosion and nutrient pollution in watersheds.

  • The concept was considered during the writing of the 2018 Farm Bill.
  • Des Moines Water Works filed a federal lawsuit in 2026 against three counties in northwest Iowa over nitrate pollution.

The players

Guy Swanson

A farmer who believes winter canola could replace a significant amount of winter wheat in the western U.S., leading to higher incomes for no-tillers, new market opportunities, and reduced soil erosion.

Shawn McRae

An Ontario no-till and ridge-till farmer who has conducted on-farm research showing that a holistic approach to soil health not only improves productivity, but also profitability.

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What’s next

The proposed 'good driver discount' for crop insurance will need to gain further support and approval from Congress and the USDA before it can be implemented.

The takeaway

This concept highlights the growing recognition that farmers who proactively adopt conservation practices to protect soil and water quality should be rewarded, not just regulated. Providing financial incentives could accelerate the adoption of sustainable farming methods that benefit the environment while also improving profitability for no-till and cover crop practitioners.