Author: rjones@iaagwater.org
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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: Industry 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
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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
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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: IAWA News
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…
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Where does extra nitrate go after it’s removed?
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Central Iowa Water Works has a nitrate removal facility that ensures safe and reliable drinking water in times where nitrate in source water is above the EPA safe drinking water standard. That standard is 10 ppm. Final treated water will always meet EPA nitrate requirements, and if it doesn’t your utility is required to tell…
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Registration Open: Advanced Soil Health Training in Eastern Iowa
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Roots to Results, an advanced soil health workshop program is accepting applications for agriculture professionals, watershed professionals, farmers, and crop advisors in Dubuque County. The year-long “Roots to Results” program includes four two-day sessions starting February 9-10, with only 35 spots available. Download the event brochure here. What You’ll Gain Participants work directly with leading…