Meetings highlight nutrient reduction strategies for farmers in targeted watersheds

Farmers in Humboldt, Kossuth and Wright counties encouraged to try new practices

                Farmers and landowners in the Prairie Creek watershed, located in Humboldt and Kossuth counties, and Wright County’s Eagle Creek watershed can learn about opportunities to participate in nutrient reduction programs through the Boone River Nutrient Management Initiative this month.

                The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is one of several partners hosting the Feb. 27 session in Algona and Feb. 28 session in Clarion.  Adam Kiel, state water resources manager for ISA’s Environmental Programs & Services (EPS); Tristan Mueller, operations manager – field research for ISA On-Farm Network®; and Dr. Peter Kyveryga, operations manager – analytics for both of ISA’s research and demonstration programs; will speak at both sessions. ISA, through its EPS group and certified water quality lab and the On-Farm Network, anticipates supporting participating growers through replicated strip trials, stalk nitrate testing and water monitoring.

                ·         The Feb. 27 meeting will be held in Algona at the Ag and Motorsports Museum at the Kossuth County Fairgrounds. Participants should register with Emily Funk at 515-295-5156, ext. 119.

                ·         On Feb. 28, Hagie Manufacturing will sponsor the second meeting at the company’s west campus in Clarion. Participants should register with Bruce Voigts at 515-532-2165, ext. 3.

                Both meetings begin at 10:30 a.m. and include lunch and a program in which attendees can learn more about the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy and the Boone River project. In addition to partners being present to explain their roles, Mike Naig, Deputy Secretary for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, will discuss the importance of farmer involvement in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Other project partners include the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance, Hagie Manufacturing, The Conservation Fund, North Central Cooperative, Iowa State University Extension, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and The Nature Conservancy.

                Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Kossuth, Humboldt and Wright counties received funding through the Iowa Water Quality Initiative for a three-year demonstration project, which provides educational programs and cost share funding for farmers working within the watersheds to implement nutrient reduction practices outlined in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

                To learn more about ISA, go to www.iasoybeans.com.