switchgrass

2022 Grassland CRP signup 22 percent higher than last year

DES MOINES, Iowa (USDA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting offers for more than 3.1 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners through this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grassland Signup, the highest in history. The signup’s results include more than 200 acres in Iowa. This program allows producers and landowners[…]

man welding with sparks flying

Northwest Iowa family builds international success with fertilizer technology

From the machine shed to the international market, Roger Montag built a business that’s improving water quality – and nearly the entire family of ten now helps run. This article is part of a special Father’s Day Series. By Rebekah Jones When Roger Montag started building his own farming equipment in the 80’s, he never[…]

Nick and Erik Helland

Dad inspires sons to embrace change on the farm

From no-till in the 90’s, to cover crops 10 years ago, and now a new seed cleaning business, the Helland family embraced farm conservation one strategic step at a time – and it paid off. This story is part of a special Father’s Day series. By Dan Looker  Along with a law career that included[…]

Legacy is a gift, but it’s not guaranteed

A note from Iowa Corn’s CEO and IAWA Board Chair about the power of conservation on his family’s row-crop operation By Craig Floss, CEO of Iowa Corn Growers Association and Iowa Corn Promotion Board as well as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance At Iowa Corn Growers Association, we[…]

two agronomists looking at soybeans in a field

Conservation agronomists: the bridge between farm sustainability and profitability

By Kaitlin Little  Five years ago, the job title “conservation agronomist” didn’t even exist. Now it’s a growing network expanding across the state, thanks to Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) efforts to build a trustworthy conservation source for farmers.  Conservation agronomists are agronomic experts who can help farmers with decisions that both improve profitability and water[…]

Manure on the Mind: a year-round approach to better yields & water quality

By IAWA staff If this spring’s fuel and fertilizer costs have taught us anything about farming, it’s how to do more with less and to tap into innovative ideas to save money, improve yields, and improve water quality. “Iowa’s farmers already pride themselves on utilizing their manure in the most efficient way possible. But the[…]

man standing in Iowa stream

Now accepting applications for 5th annual IAWA Iowa Watershed Awards

Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance to honor three people dedicated to water quality in 2022 Do you know someone who is making an impact on Iowa’s water quality? The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA) and partners want your help in recognizing watershed coordinators and other dedicated individuals for exceptional work to improve water quality and implement[…]

Mother’s Day series: stewards through the seasons

By Kellie Blair, Guest Writer A mother’s reflection on changing seasons of life, love, and the land that provides for her family. *Editor’s note: This post is part of a Mother’s Day series featuring mothers in ag and on the farm. Kellie Blair’s family farms in Dayton in central Iowa and has added multiple conservation[…]