Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance
Empowering farmers for cleaner water
For generations farmers have fed and fueled our nation, with their hands in the soil and heart in the job. They are passionate about the soil that provides for their families and the environment where they live and work every day.
That’s why the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA) provides behind-the-scenes coordination to get water quality practices on Iowa farms. Backed by a network of 100+ partners, IAWA has mobilized over $182 million to help farmers make a lasting impact.
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Get personalized nitrogen recommendations
iowa nitrogen initiative, isu, announce major updates to n-fact.
Farmers, our promise to you:
We will work to…
Make conservation affordable through market-based solutions and cost share.
Let you decide what works on your individual farm. You have unique needs and there are unique solutions.
Give information that empowers you to be successful.
Spotlight Stories: Real Progress in Action
Meet the farmers & partners who are transforming their land and Iowa’s water. From adopting cover crops to installing bioreactors, they are transforming ideas into results. Their stories highlight the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way proving that sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.
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An Introduction to Drainage Water Management
Managing Water, Boosting Farmland: An Introduction to Drainage Water Management By: Tom Collins In 1938,…
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New Report from EDF shows significant practice benefits
Emerging Farm Resiliency Practice Provides Significant Farm-Level and Public Benefits, New Report from EDF New…
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ISU Announces N-FACT User Experience Updates
September 29, 2025 (AMES, Iowa) — The Iowa Nitrogen Initiative (INI) team announced updates to…
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How Iowa Farmers Can Lead on Water Quality
The Drop: September 2025 By Joe McClure Cover crops can be a great conservation tool,…
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About IAWA:
Working Together for Cleaner Water
Our Why is You
IAWA is a hub for innovation, collaboration, and action. Our mission is simple but powerful: to improve Iowa’s water quality while supporting the farmers and communities that rely on it because water connects us all.
Conservation Practices For Every Farm
Small changes can yield big results
Improving water quality starts with practices that make sense for your farm. Conservation isn’t just about the environment—it’s about building healthier soils, boosting productivity, and future-proofing your operation. Explore these IAWA-supported practices and see how small changes can yield big results.
Cover Crops
Boost organic matter, manage nutrients, and improve your soil’s resilience with rye, oats, or other off-season cover
Reduced Till
No-till farming keeps the soil intact, reduces erosion, and helps retain valuable organic matter for healthier crops.
Prairie Strips
Incorporating native prairie plants into your fields can reduce runoff, increase biodiversity, and provide habitats for pollinators.
Wetlands
Nature’s water filter – wetlands capture nutrients, slow runoff, and provide critical habitat.
Saturated Buffers
Simple, effective, and cost-efficient, saturated buffers keep nutrients out of streams, and you don’t have to change a thing in the field.
Cost Share Compare Tool
Filter and compare cover crop programs.
Find Funding For Your Farm
We want to help you!
There are millions of dollars available for on-farm conservation. We want to help you find the best cost share program for you, and in the quickest time possible. That’s why we created a tool to help you compare and contrast incentive programs.
For Partners:
Drive Innovation with Us
IAWA is a hub for innovation, collaboration, and action. Our mission is simple but powerful: to improve Iowa’s water quality while supporting the farmers and communities that rely on it because water connects us all.
Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here
Every Wednesday, on AM 1040 and 600 we share expert insights, cutting-edge practices, and the stories behind Iowa’s water quality transformation. Listen in or host your own show! The Big Show is farmer’s go-to source for agriculture news and information!
The Advisory & Business Councils
Our councils bring together diverse voices from agriculture, research, and business. These groups drive meaningful progress, foster collaboration, and innovate solutions. Apply to join the IAWA Advisory Council and work alongside experts committed to sustainable solutions.
Let’s Build Something Big Together
Collaboration is the spark for innovation. Whether you’re a tech company, conservation group, or agricultural organization, we welcome your expertise and solutions to enhance water quality in Iowa.
Our Impact Is Amplified By You.
At IAWA, we know that collaboration is the key to success. When we look at these numbers, we see more than metrics. We see all of the partners who helped us get here. At the same time, we recognize the long road ahead to reach Iowa’s water quality goals. We’re not done. Join us to make even more progress.
100+
partner organizations
11
years of helping farmers
87x
return on base private donation
$182
million in USDA funding
IAWA Impact
Get to know us
Who We Are
IAWA is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing practices and partnerships that improve water quality. We work side-by-side with farmers, conservationists, and industry leaders to ensure Iowa’s waterways are clean and its agriculture sustainable.
Iowa’s Water History
From the early days of Iowa farming to today’s cutting-edge conservation practices, water has always been central to the state’s story. IAWA is dedicated to preserving this vital resource while building a brighter, cleaner future.