The route for RAGBRAI 2022 weaved through many different geographies of Iowa, each featuring different challenges for farmers and conservation planners. See this article about the history of the land along the route! From the extremely erosive Loess hills in Western Iowa, to the 3,000 foot climb in Northwest Iowa, cyclist and IAWA writer, Dan[…]
RAGBRAI riders will bike through six out of seven landform regions in Iowa, many created by glaciers more than 13,000 yeras ago. They not only created a challenge for cyclists, but also for conservation due to unique soils and landscapes. Dan Looker, IAWA writer and RAGBRAI enthusiast, describes the route’s unique geography riders will see.[…]
DES MOINES, Iowa (USDA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting offers for more than 3.1 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners through this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grassland Signup, the highest in history. The signup’s results include more than 200 acres in Iowa. This program allows producers and landowners[…]
From the machine shed to the international market, Roger Montag built a business that’s improving water quality – and nearly the entire family of ten now helps run. This article is part of a special Father’s Day Series. By Rebekah Jones When Roger Montag started building his own farming equipment in the 80’s, he never[…]
From no-till in the 90’s, to cover crops 10 years ago, and now a new seed cleaning business, the Helland family embraced farm conservation one strategic step at a time – and it paid off. This story is part of a special Father’s Day series. By Dan Looker Along with a law career that included[…]
A note from Iowa Corn’s CEO and IAWA Board Chair about the power of conservation on his family’s row-crop operation By Craig Floss, CEO of Iowa Corn Growers Association and Iowa Corn Promotion Board as well as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance At Iowa Corn Growers Association, we[…]
By Kaitlin Little Five years ago, the job title “conservation agronomist” didn’t even exist. Now it’s a growing network expanding across the state, thanks to Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) efforts to build a trustworthy conservation source for farmers. Conservation agronomists are agronomic experts who can help farmers with decisions that both improve profitability and water[…]
By IAWA staff If this spring’s fuel and fertilizer costs have taught us anything about farming, it’s how to do more with less and to tap into innovative ideas to save money, improve yields, and improve water quality. “Iowa’s farmers already pride themselves on utilizing their manure in the most efficient way possible. But the[…]
Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance to honor three people dedicated to water quality in 2022 Do you know someone who is making an impact on Iowa’s water quality? The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA) and partners want your help in recognizing watershed coordinators and other dedicated individuals for exceptional work to improve water quality and implement[…]
By Kristy Gibbs, Guest Writer *Editor’s note: This post is part of a Mother’s Day series featuring mothers in ag and on the farm. Kristy Gibbs farms with her family in Delaware County in northeast Iowa and has added multiple conservation practices to their farm. As a wife and mother, there is no greater gift[…]