TAYLOR COUNTY, IA (IAWA) — Erin Ogle, Project Coordinator for the Taylor Soil and Water Conservation District, has been named the 2024 Watershed Coordinator of the Year for her programs that not only improve water quality, but also support local businesses in Southwest Iowa.
Ogle’s work revolves around livestock-friendly conservation. Through the Iowa Working Lands Project, she helps farmers build plans that bring livestock back to the landscape in a way that promotes water quality and soil health. That includes integrating cover crops, small grains, and rotational grazing.
“If we integrate livestock into our system, it’s one of several steps of soil health. It brings diversity to the soil and helps nutrients cycle,” Ogle said. Cover crops also reduce nutrient loss and erosion.
Ogle and her husband are raising their kids on her husband’s family farm in Taylor County. One of her favorite parts of the job is seeing her community thrive.
“This project has had such an impact on the community with a trickle effect. Dollars are coming in for livestock businesses, and they’re staying local for things like vet bills, seed, lime fertilizer, fencing stores, sale barns, and bankers,” Ogle said. “And when people can be successful here, they raise their families here, supporting local school systems and other businesses.”
“Erin is known to show up at the local sale barns, coops, and seed dealers just to visit with folks about opportunities available,” said Colton Meyer, a fellow conservation professional who nominated Ogle for the award. “She has an endless excitement and optimism for her career and conservation. You can’t help but feel happier and more motivated after a talk with Erin.”
It’s not just her joy for conservation that’s contagious. Ogle’s project has been so successful it’s expanded into Page, Cherokee, Woodbury, Ida, Adams, Guthrie, and Carroll Counties. She’s also applied for federal funding to expand into 8 more counties.
When asked what she’s most proud of though, the first thing that comes to mind is the people she works with. She recalled a farmer who converted to cover crops, has seen great outcomes, and now hosts field days to share his success with others.
The Watershed Coordinator of the Year is organized by the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance in collaboration with Iowa DNR, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Conservation Districts of Iowa, and Iowa State University.
Published on Sept 10, 2024