Iowa Farmers Use Crops as Winter Snow Fences
The Iowa DOT pays local farmers to leave standing corn and round bales along highways to block drifting snow.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Agriculture
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The Iowa Department of Transportation operates a seasonal program that incentivizes farmers to utilize their fields as natural snow fences. By leaving standing corn rows or round bales near state and US highways, farmers help keep roads clear throughout the winter.
Why it matters
Using agricultural assets as windbreaks serves as an effective, cost-efficient strategy for managing drifting snow in open rural areas. This approach reduces the need for constant mechanical snow removal while supporting local land management.
Interested farmers can coordinate participation by contacting the DOT garages directly at 712-756-8814 in Alton, 712-724-6211 in Ashton, or 712-472-3719 in Rock Rapids.
The players
Iowa Department of Transportation
This state agency is responsible for the planning, development, and maintenance of Iowa's multimodal transportation system.
Lance Schlumbohm
He serves as the supervisor for the Iowa DOT maintenance garages located in Alton, Ashton, and Rock Rapids.
The details
Farmers participate in the program by coordinating with local maintenance facilities to position round bales or leave standing corn rows as barriers. These natural fences capture snow before it can accumulate on state and US highways in Northwest Iowa.
Timeline
The program is active throughout the winter season.
Market Landscape
This program integrates agricultural land use into state-managed infrastructure protection, reflecting a broader trend of leveraging private property for public utility. It positions the Iowa DOT to manage highway safety through collaborative rural partnerships rather than relying solely on government-owned barriers.
Local drivers benefit from safer, clearer highway conditions in Northwest Iowa due to these natural drift-control measures. Residents interested in the program's logistics or participation requirements can contact their nearest maintenance garage for specific guidance.
The takeaway
Using fields as snow barriers creates a sustainable, low-impact solution for winter road safety in rural landscapes. Farmers interested in participating should contact their local garage supervisor to confirm eligibility and placement requirements.
Further reading
For more on state-led rural initiatives, see the Agriculture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KIWA Radio.
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Do you support government payments to farmers for using private land as natural snow fencing?
