2021 November Stewardship Advocate
Posted on November 24, 2021 at 11:40 AM by Amanda Fortman
MONTHLY UPDATE FROM BEN GLEASON, IOWA CORN SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS MANAGER
November 2021
Happy Thanksgiving! A perfect time to be thankful for the best soils in the world and our bountiful harvest!
In Washington, DC, the Build Back Better legislation passed the House with substantial resources to protect our soils including $5 billion for a new cover crop initiative at the Farm Service Agency (FSA) that provides $25/acre cost share for cover crops and a $5/acre incentive to landlords. Expect some changes to the legislation from the Senate.
Also from D.C., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Army (Army Corps of Engineers) have proposed a rule to go back to the pre-2015 definition of “Waters of the US” which determines federal jurisdiction for water bodies regulated by the Clean Water Act. This repeals the Navigable Waters Protection Rule from the previous administration while the agency drafts a new rule next year.
Carbon markets continue to be a hot topic especially after the global climate summit. Additional resources continue to be developed to help understand the potential opportunities. Here are a few resources:
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The North Central Water Region Water Network hosted a webinar that can be viewed here.
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The Network has created a catalog of resources regarding carbon credits and carbon agreements.
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Iowa State University has released a publication titled “How do Data and Payments Flow through Ag Carbon Programs?” (see figure below).
With harvest wrapped up, there are plenty of opportunities coming up to learn more about carbon markets, soil health, cover crops, nutrient management and more! Be sure to check these out:
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Crop Advantage Series (ICGA members are eligible for a discount. Contact your District Field Manager to register)
Latest Information
Carbon Farming Opportunities Beckon Farmers
Oxbows – To Restore or Not Restore?
Emphasize 4R Plus Practices in Cash Rent Discussions
‘Additionality’ Issue Keeps Some Farmers Out of Carbon Markets
Nitrogen Management Key to Corn Success Following Rye
Nitrous Oxide is a Powerful Greenhouse Gas – and It’s Time to Pay Attention to It
What’s the Story with Regenerative Agriculture and Regenerative Ranching?
Survey: Carbon Market Interest Continues but Participation is Relatively Low
Focus on Biology Pushes Soil Health and No-Till System to Next Level
Waiting on N May Help with Rising Costs
Upcoming Events
December 1-2 Integrated Crop Management Conference, Ames
December 6-7 The Big Soil Health Event, Riverside
December 7 Ag Chemical Dealer Update, Nevada
December 7 Coffee & Conservation, Waverly
December 8 Carbon Sequestration, Chariton
December 9 Conservation on Tap, Sibley
December 15 Ag Chemical Dealer Update, Coralville
December 15 Coffee & Conservation, Greenfield
December 16 Cover Crop Field Day, Virtual
January 4 Crop Advantage Series, Sheldon
January 5 Crop Advantage Series, Storm Lake
January 6 Crop Advantage Series, Burlington
January 9-11 LICA Annual Convention, Des Moines
January 11 Crop Advantage Series, Okoboji
January 12 Crop Advantage Series, Ankeny
January 13 Crop Advantage Series, Cedar Falls
January 14 Crop Advantage Series, Mason City
January 18 Crop Advantage Series, Chariton
January 19 Crop Advantage Series, Webster City
January 20 Crop Advantage Series, Atlantic
January 21 Crop Advantage Series, Davenport
January 25 Crop Advantage Series, Coralville
January 26 Crop Advantage Series, Le Mars
January 27 Crop Advantage Series, Denison
Farmer to Farmer video
Farmer to Farmer: Success with Cover Crops
At a field day panel discussion, Iowa farmers share their successes with cover crops including reduced erosion and compaction and improved water quality, organic matter, and biological activity.
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