Get to know Ben Gleason, an Iowa Corn Staff Member

Enjoying some sun and fishing!

I am a native of Charles City, Iowa. Growing up, I spent a lot of time on my grandfather’s farm where I walked beans, picked up rocks, maintained farm roads, planted and pruned trees, burned prairie plots, and placed riprap on stream banks. For those that don’t know what riprap is, it’s a permanent cover of rock used to stabilize streambanks, provide in-stream channel stability, and provide a stabilized outlet below concentrated flows.

My new puppy!

I am a proud graduate of Iowa State University. After graduation, I worked several conservation jobs around the state. Before coming to Iowa Corn, I served as an environmental specialist for the State of Iowa.

At Iowa Corn, I monitor conservation regulations and programs. I also work with Iowa Corn members as they implement conservation practices and work on the state’s nutrient reduction strategy. The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is a science and technology based approach to assess and reduce nutrients delivered to Iowa waterways and the Gulf of Mexico. The strategy outlines voluntary efforts to reduce nutrients in surface water from both point sources, such as wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities, and nonpoint sources, including farm fields and urban areas, in a scientific, reasonable and cost effective manner.

Pheasant hunting.

I enjoy working with farmers around the state who are passionate about what they do to take care of our land. I’m still surprised when many Iowans do not know much about farming, especially when they have lived in the state all their life.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy hunting, fishing, boating and supporting ISU athletics. I have traveled to the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota/Canada.  I am also proud to say that I’ve traveled to seven ISU bowl games. Go Cyclones! I have two siblings who live and work in Cedar Falls.

If you have questions about the Nutrient Reduction Strategy or any other conservation programs, don’t hesitate to give me a call or email me.

Ben Gleason, 515-225-9242 or bgleason@iowacorn.org.

Ben Gleason is the Sustainable Program Manager at Iowa Corn where he works on a range of environmental projects affecting Iowa corn growers.  Soil and water conservation issues are a priority, and Ben works closely with government agencies and other organizations to address these issues.  Previously, Ben worked for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as a project coordinator for multiple watershed projects addressing sediment and nutrients in lakes and streams.  Ben grew up in Charles City, IA near his family’s farm on the Little Cedar River.  He resides in Ankeny and his hobbies include hunting, fishing, boating and attending Iowa State athletic events.