News

New conservation field days announced for week of September 20

9/17/2021

New conservation field days announced for week of September 20.

Cover crops catching on around the country, a new survey shows

9/13/2021

A survey of farmers by Purdue University conducted last month showed significant gains in cover crop plantings.

Iowa celebrates installation of 100th crep wetland

9/13/2021

Iowa’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) celebrated its 100th wetland site earlier this month,

Puetz family named good farm neighbors

9/13/2021

Bob and Lisa Puetz, who operate a row crop and hog farm in Plymouth County, are honored for their conservation efforts.

New conservation field days announced for week of September 13

9/10/2021

New conservation field days announced for week of September 13.

A conservation legacy

9/3/2021

Meet Iowa's Conservation Farmers of the year

New conservation field days announced for week of September 6

9/3/2021

New conservation field days announced for week of September 6.

New conservation field days announced for week of August 30

8/27/2021

Conservation field days have been announced for the week of August 30.

Latest Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index ® shows Iowa grocery shoppers swayed by the nutrition of real meat and sustainability progress

8/25/2021

Nearly all Iowa grocery shoppers report their households consume real meat, poultry and dairy foods regularly; they see those foods as healthy; and many are likely to eat even more after learning the unique nutritional characteristics of those foods, according to the latest Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index®. The index also shows that virtually all Iowa grocery shoppers trust Iowa farmers, and they’re confident that farmers overall are implementing sustainable practices.

Iowa farmers highlighted in new 'Real Farmers. Real Food. Real Meat.' video series

8/12/2021

While Iowa’s bread and butter lies within the agricultural industry, Iowans still have questions about the health of their foods, how it was raised and if it is environmentally friendly. That’s why Iowa Farm Bureau launched Real Farmers. Real Food. Real Meat., an initiative that brings real stories of sustainable agriculture, animal care and nutritional benefits of meat and dairy products to Iowans. Through the campaign’s newly launched video series, Iowans will find themselves on farms across the state, including those of Jarad Weber of Lee County and Mitchell Hora of Washington County and at a future release date, Colin Johnson of Wapello County followed by many others.

Cedar County farmers Ken Fawcett and Kent Stuart presented Iowa's Conservation Farmer of the Year Award

8/10/2021

An 80-foot strip of brightly colored pollinator habitat on Ken Fawcett and his nephew, Kent Stuart’s, farm, along with saturated buffers and cover crops, are just a few of a long list of reasons why these long-time Farm Bureau families were chosen as the prestigious 2021 Iowa Conservation Farmers of the Year.

A conservation legacy

8/9/2021

Fawcett Farms of Cedar County, 2021 winner of the Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year Award, has adopted numerous practices to reduce soil loss and improve water quality.

Telling our sustainability story

8/9/2021

Sharing agriculture’s story of reducing its environmental footprint to improve soil, water and wildlife.

Iowa’s derecho recovery and a conversation with Iowa’s 2021 Conservation Farmers of the Year | The Spokesman Speaks Podcast, Episode 80

8/9/2021

In this episode, we reflect on Iowa’s derecho recovery (including a unique program to help livestock farmers who were impacted by the storm) with Brian Waddingham of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. We also chat with the newly-announced winners of Iowa’s Conservation Farmer of the Year award; Ken Fawcett and his nephew Kent Stuart, who farm near West Branch.

New conservation field days announced for week of August 9

8/6/2021

Conservation field days have been announced for the week of August 9.

How to add edge-of-field conservation practices, like bioreactors and saturated buffers, to your farm | The Spokesman Speaks Podcast, Episode 79

7/26/2021

In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau Conservation and Natural Resources Policy Advisor Rick Robinson discusses the water quality progress that you might not be seeing or hearing in recent news coverage. And Shane Wulf (Edge of Field Coordinator for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship) shares the assistance that’s available to help farmers implement edge-of-field conservation practices (like bioreactors and saturated buffers) on their farms.

New conservation field days announced for week of July 19

7/16/2021

Conservation field days have been announced for the week of July 19.

New conservation field days announced for week of July 12

7/9/2021

Conservation field days have been announced for the week of July 12.

New conservation field days announced for week of June 28

6/25/2021

Conservation field days have been announced for the week of June 28.

Boots on the ground

6/21/2021

Iowa Department of Agriculture environmental specialists locate and measure sites for edge-of-field conservation practices that can help improve water quality in priority watersheds.

Construction starts on water quality blitz

6/21/2021

Partnership will accelerate conservation efforts in the Des Moines and Raccoon River watersheds and serve as a model for others across the state.

EPA awards $2.5 million for water quality

6/21/2021

Three Iowa groups were awarded $2.5 million last week to support water quality efforts through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Farmer to Farmer grant program.

New conservation field days announced for week of June 21

6/18/2021

Conservation field days have been announced for the week of June 21.

Look before you leap into carbon credit programs | The Spokesman Speaks Podcast, Episode 76

6/14/2021

In this episode, you'll hear some basics about private-sector sustainability markets for farmers.

New conservation field days announced for week of June 14

6/11/2021

Conservation field days have been announced for the week of June 14.

A conservation legacy

6/7/2021

Iowa farmer continues his grandpa's dedication to conservation

New conservation field days announced for week of June 7

6/4/2021

Conservation field days have been announced for the week of June 7

USDA announces crop insurance premium support for farmers who planted cover crops during this crop year

6/1/2021

USDA has announced a Pandemic Cover Crop Program.

New conservation field days announced for week of May 31

5/28/2021

Conservation field days have been announced for the week of May 31.

A “blitz” of new water quality protection practices is coming to Iowa | The Spokesman Speaks Podcast, Episode 75

5/28/2021

This episode features two key players in a new, collaborative water quality "blitz" project that's adding 51 saturated buffers and bioreactors to the central Iowa landscape over the next year: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Hardin County farmer (and Farm Bureau leader) Jacob Handsaker, who also runs the excavating company that's constructing these conservation practices.

New conservation field days announced for week of May 24

5/21/2021

Conservation field days have been announced for the week of May 24.

New conservation field days announced for week of May 17th

5/14/2021

Conservation field days have been announced for the week of May 17th.

Upcoming webinar, video series will explore the benefits of wetlands

5/10/2021

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Nutrient Research Center will kick off their year-long “Profiles in the Wonders of Iowa’s Wetlands” video series with an educational webinar on May 25 (7 - 8 p.m.).

Farmers encouraged to apply for cost share for in-field conservation practices

5/10/2021

Farmers and landowners can sign up now for cost-share funds from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to adopt soil health and water quality practices.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of May 10th

5/7/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

A water quality blitz

5/3/2021

A collaboration will add 51 water quality conservation structures in Polk and Dallas counties.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of May 3rd

4/30/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

Omitting facts on water quality misleads Iowans on progress

4/30/2021

Every year like clockwork, as sure as spring rains come, so does a flood of innuendo about Iowa’s water quality, misleading Iowans.

Farmers make environmental strides beyond Earth Day

4/22/2021

For farmers, thinking about the environment isn’t a one-day movement; it’s an everyday part of the gig.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of April 26th

4/21/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

How farmers are reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with each meal served

4/21/2021

How do we feed more people while minimizing our greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental footprint? Fortunately, America’s farmers have a pretty remarkable, well-documented history of doing that.

Iowa E15 sales surge makes sense

4/19/2021

Americans can now fill up with E15 year-round, and last year Iowa drivers took advantage of that new freedom to buy the 15% fuel blend that burns cleaner, packs more octane and is more affordable at the pump.

You’re standing on the key to higher yields | The Spokesman Speaks Podcast, Episode 71

4/19/2021

In this episode, Elyssa McFarland of the Soil Health Partnership offers tips for improving your soil’s health – to benefit the environment and your farm’s bottom line. And Barb Ristau of the Iowa Farmers Market Association shares the unique value that Iowa’s farmers markets contribute to their local communities.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of April 19th

4/16/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation field days announced for week of April 12th

4/9/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

Good news about conservation progress

4/6/2021

Iowa farmers are making steady progress in planting more cover crops, reducing tillage, testing soil and adopting other practices that improve water quality and reduce soil loss.

Iowa Dish Video: Farmers in Action

4/6/2021

Learn how Iowa farmers are working together and adopting innovative farming practices to achieve Iowa’s water quality goals.

Conservation progress

4/5/2021

Iowa farmers make strides toward improving water quality

New findings on agriculture’s water quality protection and greenhouse gas emissions progress | The Spokesman Speaks Podcast, Episode 70

4/5/2021

In this episode, Shawn Richmond of the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council (INREC) reports the latest data on Iowa farmers’ efforts to conserve soil and protect water quality. And American Farm Bureau economists Dr. John Newton and Shelby Myers share how farmers are reducing greenhouse gas emissions (as well as the potential economic incentives).

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of April 5th

4/2/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

A conservation legacy

3/29/2021

On the Long-Crow family farm in Marshall County, it's all about adopting conservation practices to leave the land better for the next generation.

Conservation and water quality momentum

3/29/2021

Data from the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council (INREC) shows significant gains in cover crop acreage and other conservation practices.

Stabilizing the hillsides

3/29/2021

With the assistance from a local water quality initiative, Tim Bennett of Taylor County raises hay to keep the soil on his hilly southwest Iowa fields.

Cover crops offer a range of benefits

3/29/2021

The Fynaardts of Poweshiek County see many advantages of growing cover crops and planting corn and soybeans into growing rye.

Working to improve the land

3/29/2021

By planting cover crops and adopting other conservation practices, David Scott of Muscatine County is building on his family’s legacy of conservation.

Nominations open for Conservation Farmer of the Year

3/29/2021

Nominations are open for the 2021 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year Award.

Sharing the lessons of the soil

3/29/2021

The Ehlers family of Marathon in Buena Vista County has embraced a conservation ethic and works to share the lessons they’ve learned.

Building a conservation-based business

3/29/2021

Greene County Farm Bureau members James Holz and Bill Frederick started Iowa Cover Crop to provide a full-service solution to cover crop needs.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of March 29th

3/26/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation virtual field day announced for week of March 22nd

3/17/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

Nominations open for 2021 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards

3/15/2021

Nominations are open for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of March 15th

3/12/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation field days announced for week of March 8th

3/5/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of March 1st

2/26/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

Nominations now open to recognize the 2021 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year

2/16/2021

Nominations are now being sought to recognize the 2021 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year. This is the 69th year this prestigious honor has been awarded to celebrate Iowa farmers who are committed to exceptional environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.

2021 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year Award

2/15/2021

Nominations are now open for the 2021 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year award.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of February 14th

2/10/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New Conservation virtual field days announced for week of February 15th

2/5/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of February 1st

1/21/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

Emission drop shows ag’s progress

1/18/2021

It’s no surprise that a new estimate found U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions plummeted in 2020

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of January 18th

1/14/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

Conservation collaboration

1/11/2021

IDALS grants designed to add capacity and build scale in practices to improve water quality.

Building wetlands to attract wildlife

1/7/2021

More Iowa farmers are targeting acres for conservation

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of January 11

1/7/2021

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

Promoting conservation

1/4/2021

Heartland Co-op hires two conservation agronomists to assist farmers adopting conservation practices to build soil health, reduce erosion and improve water quality.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of January 4th

12/22/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

Showing progress on water quality

12/14/2020

A recent Iowa DNR report provides additional evidence of progress in farmers’ continuing efforts to improve our state’s water quality.

New conservation field days announced for week of December 7th

12/3/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of December 1st

12/1/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

Farm environmental leaders honored by state

11/30/2020

Annual awards were given out late this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak and cancellation of the 2020 Iowa State Fair.

Practical Farmers of Iowa offers cover crop boot camp on Dec. 3-4

11/30/2020

Registration is open for Practical Farmers of Iowa’s second annual cover crop boot camp.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of November 23rd

11/19/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation virtual field day announced for week of November 16th

11/16/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of November 9th

11/5/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of November 1st

10/29/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

No BS: The truth about how farmers are improving sustainability

10/28/2020

Unfortunately, there are a lot of cow patties to step around when it comes to misinformation about agriculture and how our food is grown and raised.

Iowa program encourages cover crops

10/26/2020

The program offers farmers a $5 discount on crop insurance premiums for planting cover crops.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of October 26th

10/22/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

Conservation gains shine from afar

10/19/2020

Managing the federal government’s conservation programs has made Iowa’s progress and water quality efforts through the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS) look even better to Bill Northey.

New conservation virtual field day announced for week of October 19th

10/15/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation field days announced for week of October 12th

10/8/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation virtual field day announced for week of October 5th

10/1/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation field day announced for week of September 21st

9/22/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of September 14th

9/10/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

Conservation in action

9/8/2020

Meet Iowa's 2020 Conservation farmer of the year

Water quality progress

9/8/2020

U.S. agriculture secretary praises water quality efforts by Iowa farmers.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of September 7th

9/3/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation virtual field days announced for week of August 31st

8/30/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.

New conservation virtual field days announced for the week of August 24th

8/21/2020

There is an upcoming conservation webinar under our Field Days & Events tab.