Watershed Projects Support Farmers’ Adoption of Soil Health and Water Quality Practices

The Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here tour stops at a Benton County field day to showcase the benefits of soil health and water quality practices

DES MOINES, Iowa (Sept. 1, 2021) – The Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here tour visited a field day at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Vinton, Iowa. The field day was sponsored by many partners including the local Benton Tama Nutrient Reduction Project, indicating strong support and momentum for the adoption of soil health and water quality practices by farmers and landowners.

Several farmers shared their experiences with trying new practices on their farms like cover crops and reduced tillage. The economic benefits are key to successful adoption along with local community support. The Benton Tama Nutrient Reduction Project provides educational opportunities, like this field day, in addition to technical and financial assistance.

“The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy outlines a variety of science-based conservation practices to improve soil health and water quality, and that empowers farmers and landowners to adopt the practices best suited to their soil types, landscapes and operations,” said Secretary Naig. “Field days are great ways for farmers to see these conservation practices in action and hear how they have helped their neighbors’ farms. I hope that all attendees hear something that inspires them to test at least one new practice on their fields.”

“Peer-to-peer, farmer-to-farmer exchanges at field days like this help farmers overcome any barriers to adopting new practices on their farms,” stated Lance Lillibridge, a local farmer and president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association. “When we share our journeys and the benefits of soil and water quality, it makes it that much easier for more farmers to adopt these practices.”

Watershed projects like the Benton Tama Nutrient Reduction Project are important components of Iowa’s Water Quality Initiative. The projects serve as catalysts in bringing farmers, partners, and resources together to accelerate the adoption of soil health and water quality practices that are most appropriate for the local watershed.

About the Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here Campaign

The campaign, created by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Soybean Association and Newsradio 1040 WHO aims to raise awareness about the conservation work underway all across Iowa. It also highlights opportunities for both rural and urban residents to use soil health and water quality best practices and play an active role in conservation projects happening in their communities.

During the Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here campaign, The Big Show will visit locations throughout the state showcasing the people and practices that are having a positive and measurable impact on water quality. The conversations with farmers, landowners, agribusinesses and community leaders will be broadcast on Wednesdays during The Big Show airing from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on WHO and 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. on WMT.

The Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here campaign is a collaborative effort between a dozen public and private partners, including Agri Drain, Hagie Manufacturing, Hands on Excavating, Heartland Co-op, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Montag Manufacturing, Practical Farmers of Iowa, The Nature Conservancy and TruTerra.

The Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here campaign began in August 2020. For more information about the campaign, upcoming stops, and rural and urban soil health and water quality practices, visit cleanwateriowa.org/cleanwaterstartshere. For assistance implementing conservation practices or to get involved in a community-based project, visit a nearby USDA Service Center or Soil and Water Conservation District office.