Iowa ranks near the top in the adoption of several farm conservation programs during the past four years, according to a recent report released by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack. The report highlights the value of public-private conservation efforts and record conservation results achieved by farmers, private landowners and the USDA since 2009.

"This report demonstrates the commitment of Iowa producers to conserve the natural resources on their farms," says Jay Mar, state conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service...