Justin and Lacie Robbins, 2021 Iowa Environmental Stewardship Award Program winners

A Love for the Land and Livestock Drives Conservation Decisions

When it comes to improving crop and pasture ground, Justin Robbins of Greene County isn’t one to follow the herd. He’s willing to do what it takes to protect the environment and improve his land.

Improving farm profitability in 2022 with 4R Plus practices

4R Plus Can Improve Farmers’ Bottom Line in Pricey Input Environment

The benefits of 4R Plus practices are front of mind as farmers look ahead to the 2022 growing season, when pricey inputs will likely narrow margins.

Sharon Krause

Connecting Conservation-Minded Landowners and Tenants

Find out what non-operating landowners are doing to encourage the adoption of 4R Plus practices on rented land.

Liz Pierce and her daughters

Couple Merges Passion for Crops, Conservation and Cattle

Boone County’s Bret and Liz Pierce have merged their passion for crops and cattle and together work to improve soil health while protecting water quality.

On the Plus Side

Farmers See the Plus Side of Adding 4R Plus Practices

Farmers across Iowa see the Plus Side of weatherproofing farms, protecting their valuable soil, improving water quality and preserving productivity for future generations.

Dustin Brucker, field manager for the Soil Health Partnership

The Economics of Building Soil Health

A multitude of factors influence success in building healthy soil and economic gains. Dustin Brucker of the Soil Health Partnership shares findings from a collaborative project.

Ross Evelsizer shows multi-cropping leads to profit increase

Multi-cropping Leads to Increase in Profits and Sustainability

Ross Evelsizer, natural resources project director with Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development, conducted multi-cropping field trials to determine their impact on profits and farm sustainability.

Jack Boyer farmers in Northeast Iowa

An Ongoing Effort to Improve Crop Productivity

Northeast Iowa farmer Jack Boyer has a long history of measuring the impact 4R Plus practices have on soil health and crop productivity. Photo courtesy of Practical Farmers of Iowa.