Drone shot of oxbow

Oxbow Restoration: A Beautiful and Practical Conservation Solution

Interest in oxbow restoration is rising across Iowa. These small bodies of water provide a great habitat for fish and wildlife, plus they improve water management during both wet and dry years. Their status as a relatively low-cost and low-maintenance conservation project adds to their appeal.

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.

Michael Castellano, Professor of Agronomy at Iowa State University

Fertilizer Management in a Drought: Experts Sound the Alarm

The soil retains more nitrogen during a drought, leading to several management challenges. Learn why farmers are being encouraged to test soil before making fall fertilizer application decisions.

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.

Northern Iowa Farmer Adds 4R Plus Practices to Diversify Crop Rotation

The soil health movement spurred Floyd County farmer Wayne Koehler’s interest to add 4R Plus practices. He has diversified his crop rotation and minimized expenses.

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.

Sheila Fisher Shares Soil Health Experiments

A Head for Numbers and a Passion for Soil Health

Southeast Iowa farmer Sheila Fisher took advantage of an opportunity to return to the farm and put improving soil quality and health into action through various experiments.

Iowa Farmer Kellie Blair

Continual Improvement Leads Farm’s Stewardship Efforts

On the flat, tile-drained landscape, Webster County farmer Kellie Blair incorporates cover crops, no-till, strip-till and data-driven nutrient management to minimize nutrient losses from subsurface drainage.