Iowa landowners looking to improve their soil health and conservation practices can participate in a new program through Iowa State University Extension. This program is designed to connect landowners with experts in conservation, agronomy, finance, and law to help them enhance their farming operations. The program targets landowners in the Des Moines River watershed and aims to support those who want to implement more sustainable practices for the benefit of the local environment and community.
During its inaugural year, participants will be required to attend six in-person educational workshops from June to August. These workshops will cover topics such as planting cover crops, reducing tillage, using perennials, obtaining financial incentives, lease structures, taxes, and communication strategies for discussing conservation practices with family members, tenants, and others involved in the farming operation. Each workshop will last between two to three hours and will be held in central or north-central Iowa.
ISU Extension recognizes that transitioning to conservation land management requires numerous steps. They acknowledge that while landowners care about their land and value stewardship, they may need support navigating the financial, legal, and relational aspects of making these changes. The deadline for applications is April 19th. Interested individuals can assess their suitability for the program by completing a short survey on the ISU Extension website.
For more information about this innovative program, individuals can contact Catherine DeLong at crdelong@iastate.edu or Julia Baker at jaclymer@iastate.edu. By participating in this program, Iowa landowners can gain valuable knowledge and resources to enhance the sustainability of their farming practices and contribute to a healthier environment for their community.
