The Indiana Management of Agriculture Enhancements (IMAGE) Cost-Share Program is a conservation funding initiative administered by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) to help producers implement practical conservation improvements on their operations.
IMAGE provides financial assistance and technical support for projects that improve livestock management, strengthen farm infrastructure, improve soil health, and protect Indiana's natural resources.
Through partnerships with Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and other conservation partners, IMAGE helps
producers overcome financial barriers to implementing conservation practices that benefit both agricultural operations and natural resources.
The IMAGE cost-share program will be piloted in the following counties: Brown, Clay, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Johnson, Knox, Martin, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Putnam, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick.
1. Contact our local Resource Specialist
Interested producers should contact their local Resource Specialist or Soil and Water Conservation District office to discuss project ideas and eligibility.
2. Submit an Application
Applications and supporting documents are completed with assistance from ISDA staff and submitted for review.
3. Ranking and Selection
Applications are evaluated by the IMAGE Ranking Committee using established program criteria.
4. Award Notification
Selected applicants will receive notice of funding approval and their maximum reimbursement amount.
5. Design and Installation
Resource Specialists will assist with practice planning and design. When appropriate, NRCS technical staff may provide additional design assistance and engineering support.
6. Practice Verification
Upon completion, the assigned Resource Specialist will verify that the project meets program requirements.
7. Reimbursement
After verification and receipt review, the producer will receive reimbursement for up to 75% of eligible project costs.
In order to support the Indiana State Nutrient Reduction Strategy, IMAGE provides cost-share assistance for approved conservation practices including:
- Heavy Use Area Protection (NRCS 561)
- Protects high-traffic livestock areas from erosion, sediment loss, and excessive mud.
- Pasture and Hay Planting (NRCS 512)
- Establishes healthy forage systems that improve soil health and grazing management.
- Watering Facility (NRCS 614)
- Provides alternative water sources for livestock while protecting streams and ponds.
- Livestock Pipeline (NRCS 516)
- Supports managed grazing systems by delivering water throughout pasture systems.
- Soil Amendments
- Includes lime, gypsum, and magnesium blends recommended through a certified soil test.
- Committee-Approved Unfunded EQIP Practices
- Additional conservation practices may be eligible when supported by completed NRCS technical documentation and approved by the IMAGE Ranking Committee.
** All practices must be installed to meet NRCS Specifications and Standards **
The IMAGE program is made possible through Clean Water Indiana Funding.
Approved participants may receive reimbursement for up to seventy-five percent (75%) of
eligible project costs.
Funding is awarded through a competitive ranking process and is subject to available program funds.
This is a cost-share reimbursement program. The applicant must pay project costs upfront
Reimbursement will occur after:
- ISDA verifies practice installation.
- Applicant submits paid receipts and required documentation.
- ISDA confirms project meets NRCS and locally approved standards.
Applications Open: July 1, 2026
Project Completion Deadline: Producers will have 12 months from the date of approval to install approved practices
Progress Check-In: 6 months after award approval
Extension requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis
Coming Soon!
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