Beyond cost share – more bang for your cover crop buck

Cover crop seeding, equipment options can help save time, money By Adam Sodders ANKENY, Iowa (IAWA) – As cover crop acres have spread across Iowa in the last 10 years, Iowa farmers are ever more aware of their powerful water quality and soil benefits – and of the public and private cost share programs helping[…]

Practicing what he preaches: Nevada teacher-farmer earns water quality Impact Award

Kevin Cooper brings on-farm water quality efforts to his classroom and community NEVADA, Iowa (IAWA) – For Nevada High School Vocational Ag teacher and part-time farmer Kevin Cooper, water quality practices aren’t just a textbook topic – they’re a part of his life that he shares with his students and community.  That combo of education,[…]

Iowa’s Oxbow Stewards’ water quality work earns Team Impact Award

Team’s collaboration, expertise fuels surge in restored oxbows statewide   ANKENY, Iowa (IAWA) – A statewide team of water quality and habitat experts is breathing new life into old, cut off river segments – known as oxbows – and their work is being recognized with the 2024 IAWA Team Impact Award. Oxbows form when a[…]

$470,000 to go to Central Iowa wetlands thanks to Prairie Meadows grant

DES MOINES, Iowa (IAWA) — Prairie Meadows Casino just announced that four Central Iowa wetlands projects will get a $470,000 Legacy Grant to support water quality, habitat, and conservation education. Ducks Unlimited is leading the grant, collaborating with Polk County Public Works, Polk County Conservation, the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.[…]

IAWA names Jeff Lucas as new Executive Director

Iowa native to bring wide-ranging experience, passion for service to leadership role ANKENY, IA (IAWA) — The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance is excited to welcome new Executive Director Jeff Lucas to the team this week. The Fort Madison, Iowa native and proud Iowa State University alum brings diverse career experiences from across the country, from the[…]

Wonder and water – reflections on my second Father’s Day

By Adam Sodders, Communications Specialist MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (IAWA) – Central Iowa has been the place my great grandpa, grandpa, dad, I have all called home over the last century or so, and in 2022 a fifth name was added tothe list: Milo. As a young father, it’s impossible not to think about my own childhood[…]

Water quality efforts blossom in the Cedar Valley 

Eastern Iowa farmers, landowners add more “Batch and Build” projects, cover crops  By Dan Looker  CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (IAWA) – In 2008, the Cedar River – namesake of the city of Cedar Rapids – surged from its banks to leave more than a tenth of the city in muck and destruction. That disaster, among the[…]

Here to help – farmers support farmers in adding regenerative practices

Iowa farmer, Dean Sponheim, nears 100,000 acres of cover crops with his entrepreneurial endeavors, after seeing successful cover crops on his own farm in 2012. By Dan Looker OSAGE, Iowa (IAWA) It’s a warm, sunny February day in Osage, Iowa, where about 100 farmers are gathered inside a meeting hall at the Mitchell County Fairgrounds.[…]

‘A milestone year’ for Iowa water quality

Record cost share for farmers, increased practices stand out in 2023 ANKENY, Iowa (IAWA) – Iowa saw record investment in water quality and soil health practices in 2023, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) annual Soil Conservation and Water Quality statewide report. The work of IDALS, in collaboration with many public[…]

Iowa regenerative farmer Kelly Garrett kneels in a crop field, looking at a handful of soil.

Iowa regenerative farmer Kelly Garrett named Top Producer Award finalist

DENISON, Iowa (IAWA) – Sixth-generation Iowa farmer and regenerative ag advocate Kelly Garrett is one of just three finalists for the prestigious Farm Journal 2023 Top Producer of the Year award. Qualifying for this Top Producer magazine honor is a big deal for any farmer – the publication’s subscribers must meet operational requirements (2,000+ corn or soybean[…]