If you’ve ever managed land in Iowa, you know the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) isn’t just a government acronym—it’s been a big part of the farm landscape for a long time. CRP’s done a heap of good, whether that’s holding soil in place, cleaning up water, or just giving pheasants somewhere to roost. But CRP contracts run out. Sooner or later, you’re facing a fork in the road: Should you sign up for another round, leave that grass alone, or get your boots muddy and bring it back into crops?
These days, many more folks are eyeing their CRP acres and wondering what it’ll take to get corn or beans back in the ground. And let’s not kid ourselves—going from idle grass to row crops isn’t like flipping a switch. You’ve got work ahead, but there’s also plenty to be gained if you take the right steps. Whether you’re itching to get back in the tractor seat or prepping the place for a sale, a little know-how goes a long way.
Let’s take a straight-shooting look at what’s involved in getting CRP land chugging again.
What’s Different About Farming Former CRP Ground?
Stick with land long enough and you learn this: CRP changes a field. After ten or fifteen years, the soil feels different underneath your boots. Generally, you’ll have better structure and more organic matter than a field that’s been worked year in and out. That’s a plus. But there’s another side—nutrients shift, weeds sneak in, and the lay of the land itself can get a little rough.
And when it comes to “income history”? Let’s be honest, the government rental checks are steady but don’t exactly tell you (or a buyer, or a banker) what the land can do with a real crop in it. Bringing that field back into production carries a few unknowns, but also the chance for a healthy bump in returns—if you’re clear-eyed and put in the effort.
Take Stock Before You Start
Don’t skip this part—it can save headaches later on. Before you even think about turning sod, figure out what you’ve got.
CSR2 Scores: Your Starting Point
Ask any Iowa farmer, and they’ll tell you CSR2—the Corn Suitability Rating—isn’t just a number, it’s a kind of “promise” in the dirt. Even if your planter hasn’t seen the field in a generation, a decent CSR2 is a good sign you’ve got productive ground. Buyers pay attention to it, too.
Dig Deep—Literally (Soil Tests Matter)
The carpet of grass from years in CRP eats up nutrients differently than corn or beans would. Test your soil. Odds are, you’ll be short on phosphorus and potassium. The pH might be off too, depending on what’s been growing. Toss in a grid sample and you’ll know where you stand. Being honest about what your soil needs builds trust—whether you’re looking to rent, cash out, or make the field earn its keep for your family.
Don’t Have Yield Maps? Share What You Know Without Sugarcoating
A lot of folks push hard for yield data, and why not? But if you’ve had land sitting in CRP, those records are ancient history. Instead, try putting yourself in a buyer’s or tenant’s boots—what would you want to know?
- Previous Cropping: If you remember what was farmed before the CRP years (or have FSA records), write it down.
- Weed and Brush Control: If you kept up with mowing or chased off thistles, say so.
- Drainage: Got old tile maps? Any ditches you’ve cleared out? Mention them.
No one likes to guess. The more clear and honest the info, the less likely folks feel the need to “bid safe.” The results speak for themselves—better data brings better offers.
Step-by-Step: Turning CRP Back to Row Crop
Ready to make the switch? Here’s what’s worked for me and plenty of neighbors.
1. Knock Down the Grass
Grass built up over a decade (or two) is no joke.
- Mowing/Shredding: Get rid of the bulk early. It’ll help everything that comes next.
- Herbicide Burndown: A late fall or very early spring shot with a systemic herbicide works best. You want roots and all, not just green tops.
- Burning: Only if allowed and safe—nothing clears a mat like fire, and it warms up that black dirt faster.
2. Tillage or No-Till? Your Call
- Tillage: Sometimes, a plow or a disc can speed up residue breakdown and level things out—just be careful of erosion, especially if the ground isn’t flat.
- No-Till: Not afraid of a challenge? With the right equipment and settings, you can direct-seed into sod. Takes some patience but saves the structure you spent years building.
3. Don’t Be Surprised By First-Year Yields
Don’t expect miracles right away. Crops (especially corn) might struggle that first round—mostly because all that dead root mass ties up nitrogen.
- Soybeans First: They’re tough, and can manage with less perfect seedbeds and tougher nitrogen conditions.
- Corn? Bump up your N rates, but talk to an agronomist or local extension first.
4. Pests and Weedy Surprises
Wireworms, white grubs—name the pest, CRP land probably has a few. Use seed treatments and keep your eyes peeled for weed flushes nobody’s seen in a decade. Nothing like seeing foxtail or johnsongrass from years back making a comeback.
Think Ahead: Value, Income, and Confidence
If you’re thinking about selling, remember: buyers want numbers they can trust. Without up-to-date yield averages, it’s okay to budget for a “ramp up.” Most buyers in the know figure on hitting 80–85% of county averages that first year or so, and ramping up from there.
You can help your cause (and maybe even your price) by taking care of the basics in advance: knock back the heavy grass, test and amend the soil, and lay out whatever records or maps you can find. Make it easy for the next person to hit the ground running.
Selling? Don’t Forget What CRP Adds
Many undervalue the “rest” that ground gets while in CRP—less compaction, better organic matter, and a break from some diseases and weeds. That’s selling power, along with any improvements—fence lines fixed, brush cleared, tile found and mapped.
And don’t ignore the value of government programs. Sometimes, leaving the wet spot or a troublesome patch in a new conservation plan nets more money than you’d get trying to row crop every last acre.
Last Bit of Advice
Moving CRP land back into production is more of a journey than a quick pit stop. With some planning, a dash of patience, and by being straight-up about what you’ve got, you can unlock more value—whether your goal is a better crop or a better sale price.
If you start with the facts—soil tests, a rundown of what you’ve done, and practical steps for what’s next—you’ll set yourself (and your land) up for success, whatever you decide to do next.
At Whitaker Marketing Group, we believe that if you’re thinking about selling or growing again, gathering your records and being open about your field’s story can make your ground stand out—often putting more dollars in your pocket when the time comes.
515-996-5263 |✉️info@wmgauction.com
