Water quality is a hot topic across Iowa, and farmers are hard at work with their urban neighbors to achieve real and lasting gains in water and soil quality.

Visitors to Farm Bureau Park at this year’s Iowa State Fair will get a first-hand look at how those collaborations with urban, state and federal partners are improving Iowa’s water quality and protecting our rich soils, while maintaining the crop production that America and the world needs. They’ll also be able to visit with Farm Bureau members who have taken the initiative to plant cover crops, install bioreactors and adopt other conservation practices.

Farm Bureau Park will also provide an ideal gathering place for fairgoers who want to learn more about how their food is grown and raised while having some fun.

“We know while fewer Iowans farm, they have questions about things like water quality, genetically modified crops or animal care,” said Craig Hill, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation president.

“We are proud to share that story, while celebrating our rural heritage,” Hill said. “We are recognizing more than 400 farms this year that have been owned and operated by the same families for more than 100 years. This type of sustainability can only happen if farmers take care of the land, because the land is their lifeblood, their history, as well as their future.”

Farm Bureau Park will continue to share the story of farming sustainability by once again hosting the Conservation Station, which highlights ways farmers are implementing innovative practices to protect soil and water quality.

The station includes a rainfall simulator, watershed game and a “Poo Shuffle” educational game for the kids.

Once again, there is a coupon in this State Fair insert for IFBF members to redeem for a free membership “thank you” gift.

Other perks for members include the opportunity to win a Polaris 4x4 full-size UTV provided by Van Wall Powersports and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. Iowans who sign up to be Farm Bureau members during the fair will receive a $10 ethanol gas card and can enter to win $2,000 in free ethanol gas. All visitors to Farm Bureau park can enter a drawing for $1,000 in free groceries at a store of their choice.

Farm Bureau will also feature many of our benefit partners at the Iowa State Fair. Visit Farm Bureau Financial Services while in the park to play SuperCheck games for a chance to win a prize. Visitors can also take advantage of free health screenings offered by Stroke Detection Plus, the Wolfe Eye Clinic, ClearValue Hearing and others. Click here for a daily schedule of the health care screenings.

Cat, Ford, Case IH and Polaris will display models at Farm Bureau Park that are eligible for exclusive member discounts. Morton Buildings will also have representatives in Farm Bureau Park the first two days of the fair.

Check out a complete listing of activities at Farm Bureau Park each day of the Iowa State Fair here.