Author: rjones@iaagwater.org
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Understanding Iowa’s Landforms
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Overview While many outsiders think of Iowa as a “flyover state” with the same landscape as far as the eye can see, us Iowans know that Iowa is unique from corner to corner. Iowa’s landscape was largely shaped by glaciers. Those ancient sheets left behind different soils, aquifers, rock formations, and more. Geologists today now…
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Farmer Demand far exceeds NRCS funding in Iowa; Is new funding on the horizon?
By Rebekah Jones STATEWIDE, Iowa – March 28, 2026 – Only about one in five Iowa NRCS applications received conservation funding in 2025, according to NRCS data for three of the most popular farmer programs. Those programs pay for conservation practices like cover crops, prairie, and grazing infrastructure. Why it matters Demand grows, funding shrinks…
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Cover crop interest strong, despite tough farm economy
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By Dan Looker, IAWA writer DES MOINES, Iowa – March 25, 2026 – In a struggling farm economy, will Iowa’s progress with cover crops be dragged down by burdensome operational costs and prices? It’s too early to tell, but our insights say, “no.” Multiple vendors of cover crop seed and cost share say demand continues…
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Farmers have rising concerns about soil compaction
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DES MOINES, Iowa – March 24, 2026 – Conservation adoption is often motivated by financial factors like improved yields with soil health or reduced inputs using cover crops. Another related factor is emerging as a top concern: compaction. This knowledge could help conservation professionals and agronomists promote compaction reducing practices like cover crops, which also…
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Popular Iowa livestock program gets green light for 3 more years
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Southwest Iowa – March 24, 2026 – A newly announced extension of Iowa’s Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Project through 2028 signals growing momentum behind a simple idea: healthier soil leads to cleaner water—and grazing can help deliver both. Secretary Mike Naig announced the extension this month (March 2, 2026). The project is active in…
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A look at all the projects Iowa NRCS worked on in 2025
Posted onCategories: News
By Jason Johnson, Iowa NRCS DES MOINES, Iowa – March 20, 2026 – Iowa farmers and other private landowners invested millions in conservation practices to help treat natural resource issues on their lands last year, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Through four major Farm Bill conservation programs…
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NRCS survey to measure impact of conservation on U.S. cropland
Posted onCategories: News
By Chris Maestas, NRCS Public Affairs Specialist BISMARCK, N.D. — How well are conservation practices working on America’s farms and ranches? A nationwide survey led by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service aims to answer that question. The Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) Survey measures how voluntary conservation practices improve soil health, water quality and wildlife…
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Streamlined USDA Records Could Mean Faster, Easier Conservation Assistance for Iowa Farmers
WASHINGTON DC – March 18, 2026 – A new modernization effort from the U.S. Department of Agriculture promises to simplify how farmers interact with federal agencies, an update that could streamline conservation efforts. “Government red tape” and “too much paperwork” are often cited by farmers who avoid USDA service centers and government programs. It’s unsurprising…
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Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance Wins Marketing Award for Farmer-Focused Website
Posted onCategories: Press release
News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan 19, 2026 CONTACT: Rebekah Jones, Cell: 515- 901-3147 | rjones@iaagwater.org DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA) has been recognized with first place in Region Three for “Website Directed at Farmers and Ranchers” in the Best of NAMA competition. The award honors IAWA’s website, iaagwater.org, which launched in fall 2025. “This…