MARCH 2017 STEWARDSHIP ADVOCATE UPDATE

MONTHLY UPDATE FROM BEN GLEASON, IOWA CORN SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS MANAGER

We are excited to share with you great news that the Des Moines Water Works lawsuit has been dismissed in its entirety. The federal court found that drainage districts have no authority to manage nitrogen loss and that this policy issue should be addressed by the state legislature. Read more about “Why a Federal Court Dismissed the DMWW Lawsuit.” While the lawsuit has been dismissed, the court of public opinion is always in session. Your efforts to improve water quality continue to be key to our future success. 

Speaking of the legislature, the Revenue Estimating Committee has released its latest estimate for budget revenue, which has not grown as fast as spending. Look for the legislature to begin budget discussions, including water quality funding, in the near future. Bills have been introduced utilizing a variety of funding mechanisms, including the sales tax, infrastructure funds and metered water fees.

Be sure to check out Iowa Corn’s revamped Environment webpage!  As we continue to work to improve Iowa's water quality, we are focusing on Farmer to Farmer Insights, Conservation Practices, and Partnerships.

Finally, do you know someone who goes above and beyond to implement conservation efforts on their farm? Consider nominating them for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. 

FARMER TO FARMER:

LET'S TALK WATER QUALITY

Larry Weber, director of IIHR and the Iowa Flood Center, and Iowa Corn farmers Dean Sponheim and Tim Smith talk about Iowa watershed projects, water quality, soil health and conservation during a panel discussion at the Iowa Power Farming Show.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• March 23: Palmer amaranth workshop, Keosauqua

• March 24: Palmer amaranth workshop, Humboldt

• March 28: North Raccoon Watershed Meeting, Lake City

• March 28: Middle Cedar Watershed Meeting, Vinton

• March 28: Cover crop field day, Albion

• March 28: Palmer amaranth workshop, Denison

• March 28: Palmer amaranth workshop, Chariton

• March 29: Iowa Corn Day on the Hill, Des Moines

• March 29: Nishnabotna Watershed Meeting, Oakland

• March 29: Cover crop field day, Reinbeck

• March 29: Cover crop field day, Afton

• March 30: Palmer Amaranth Workshop, Iowa City

• March 30: Iowa Groundwater Association Conference, Newton

• March 30: Cover crop field day, Maxwell

• March 31: Cedar River Coalition, Osage

• April 3: Soil health workshop, Ionia

• April 4: Cover crop field day, Hancock

• April 6: Cover crop field day, Pella

• April 6: Upper Iowa Watershed Meeting, Decorah

• April 10: Boone River field day, Corwith

• April 11: CRP Workshop for Women, Oskaloosa

• April 11: Cover crop field day, Newell

• April 11: Cover crop field day, Lake City

• April 11: Southfork Watershed Alliance, Iowa Falls

• April 19: Clear Creek Watershed Meeting, Coralville

• May 16: Upper Wapsi Watershed Meeting, Independence

• May 18: English River Watershed Meeting, Williamsburg

LATEST INFORMATION:

• 'WISE' Bill Introduced to Address Water Quality Issues

• Poll:  More Iowa Farmers Using Practices to Reduce Nutrient Pollution

• Starting the Conservation Conversation on Cover Crops

• Will 2017 Be the Year for Iowa Water Quality Funding?

• How to Forestall Herbicide-Resistant Weeds

• Soil Health Partnership to Expand to 100 Farm Sites

• Farmers Find Soil Management Beneficial for Soil Health, Profits

• Water Rule Rollback Gives Growers What They Wanted from Trump 

• Group Mapping Out Way to Save the Monarch Butterfly 

• Farmers Who Exhibit Environmental Leadership Eligible for Recognition 

• Watch the Weather to Avoid Atrazine Runoff