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Our Founders

Iowa Corn, Iowa Pork Producers Association, and Iowa Soybean Association

How it all began

IAWA’s story begins with a clear vision for cleaner water – and three founders dedicated to progress. In 2014, the Iowa Soybean, Iowa Corn Growers, and Iowa Pork Producers associations formed the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance. They wanted to bring all stakeholders to the table, generate financial and technical assistance for Iowa’s farmers, and find new resources and innovations to improve water quality.

With our founding members’ ongoing support and a talented, dedicated team, IAWA has made great strides in connecting with Iowa farmers to add more on-farm practices that improve water quality for all downstream.

Founding Organizations

Iowa Corn Growers Association logo

Farmers care about the water we share. Iowa Corn drives this message home by promoting conservation practices that improve water quality and soil health while reducing erosion.

In addition to supporting IAWA’s work, Iowa Corn is involved in many water quality programs and projects including Farmers for Soil Health, the Iowa Seed Corn Cover Crop Initiative, and the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative. Learn more about Iowa corn below.

Iowa Soybean Producers logo

The Iowa Soybean Association has a water monitoring lab on-site where staff tests water collected from both streams and tile lines. This can help farmers see the need for conservation and the results of conservation.

In addition to supporting IAWA and water quality projects with partners, ISA has staff dedicated full time to agronomy research, conservation agronomy, oxbow restoration, conservation development, and edge-of-field practices.

Iowa Pork Producers logo

Iowa Pork advocates for water quality and communites via efforts that range from food donations, scholarships, and Bacon Buddies – a program taht gives people with disabilities the opportunity to take a pig into the 4-H and FFA show ring.

In addition to supporting IAWA’s work, Iowa Pork is leading a batch and build project in the Boone River and North Raccoon River to increase edge-of-field practices.

Kirk Leeds

“The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance has been a force for increasing awareness and implementing the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Since its launch, IAWA has clearly helped the state and its communities and farm families make progress by increasing adoption of practices advancing soil and water quality. It’s the epitome of accomplishing outcomes through partnership and collaboration. The Iowa Soybean Association is proud to be a founding partner of the IAWA and enthusiastically supports its efforts.”

McGonegle

Our support of the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance broadens the efforts of pig farmers for continuous improvement of Iowa’s soil health, water quality and nutrient management. IAWA’s work shows all farmers how they can use swine manure with other practices like cover crops, reduced tillage, and edge-of-field practices to achieve better water quality and soil health in our state.

Craig Floss

“Iowa Corn along with our partners is proud to support the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance. The work IAWA is doing on soil health and water quality continues to be a top priority for our state’s corn farmers. We are continuing to see greater adoption of conservation practices across Iowa and with IAWA’s work, we will see that progress only increase in the future.”