Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig was in Tipton on March 10 to meet with area farmers. Representatives from Farm Bureau, Cattlemen, and Pork Producers visited with the Secretary about conservation practices adoption and water quality issues. Participants were able to share what drives decisions about implanting and adopting practices on their farms, and how IDALS can promote more participation in state and national initiatives. The timing of fall and spring fertilizer and manure application was recognized, including the limits imposed by weather and availability of commercial applicators. Ideas about the utilization of Conservation Reserve Program contracts to increase grazing acres access for cattle producers were explored. Farmers conveyed to Secretary Naig the helpfulness of USDA and IDALs staff and positive experiences when working with local offices to navigate farm programs.