Soil Testing at the Foundation of Nutrient Stewardship

Precision Ag Specialist Emily Doyle arms farmers with information so they can make decisions to protect yields and the environment.

Soil Health Defined on the Farm Level

Soil Health Partnership field manager and east-central Iowa farmer Lisa Kubik says soil health is defined on the farm level.

Dedication to Protecting the Soil Gets Noticed

Grundy County’s Eric Andersen has a reputation for taking care of his valuable farmland. That’s something landowners have noticed.

Farmer Reaps Benefits from Using 4R Plus Practices

Darin Stolte of Jones County, Iowa, saw his yield curve accelerate after strip-till and cover crops were added to his precise 4R nutrient plan.

Sharing Information Can Bridge the Divide with Landowners

The changing landscape of farmland ownership in Iowa presents opportunities for tenants. Sharing information can bridge the divide with landowners.

Rate of 4R Plus Practice Adoption Continues to Rise

The Iowa Farm & Rural Life Poll: 2018 Summary Report demonstrates the percentage of Iowa’s farmers who are adopting 4R Plus practices continues to rise.

4R Plus Practices Make ‘Dollars and Sense’ to Southeastern Iowa Family

The Heckman family in Muscatine County pushes the pencil to see what practices garner a return on their investment, and puts them through a litmus test to determine if the practices are sustainable.

Edge-of-Field Practices Enhance Water Quality

Edge-of-field practices provide farmers with immediate gratification because the water-quality benefits are quickly measurable.

Central Iowa Family Encourages Farmers to Add 4R Plus Practices

While Julie Kenney uses her role as Iowa Deputy of Secretary of Agriculture to encourage farmers to use 4R Plus practices, her husband Mark implements the practices on their farm.

Learn About 4R Plus Practices at the Iowa Power Farming Show

4R Plus and Iowa Corn are co-hosting farmer panels at the Iowa Power Farming Show to inform farmers about the practices that improve soil health and water quality.

Integrating Crop and Livestock Systems with Cover Crops

The gentle rolling hills of Dubuque County are where Tim Daly focuses on finding solutions to integrate his crop and livestock systems, improve the soil and achieve top-end yields.

Conservation Mapping Project Verifies Iowa’s Proven Track Record

Iowa has a proven track record changing the landscape for the better. Learn about a first-of-its-kind mapping project that serves as a baseline for measuring progress.

Soil Structure Put to the Test During a Challenging Harvest

Saturated fields have slowed this year’s harvest in Iowa. Soil conservation experts urge farmers to take a close look at tillage practices, which can make a difference in a year like this one.

Is Your Soil Prepared for the Future?

Rick Cruse, Ph.D., agronomy professor at Iowa State University and director of the Iowa Water Center, wants farmers to think about what the soil on their farms will look like in 20, 50 or even 100 years.

Cost Share Opportunities Designed to Help Farmers with Conservation Practices

Learn how farmers are working with state agencies through cost share programs to improve soil health and water quality.

What You Need to Know About Implementing a Cover Crops Strategy

Wayne Fredericks believes cover crops can make a dramatic difference in keeping nutrients and soil on farms and out of the waterways. Learn more…

4R Plus Message Gaining Momentum

4R Plus is a science-based framework to increase awareness and provide information on 4R nutrient stewardship and conservation practices in order to improve soil health, crop yields and water quality. Learn more…