Not all algae are harmful, but the most common harmful algal blooms in Iowa are comprised of blue-green algae—also known as cyanobacteria. Learn more in this infographic.
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The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is focused on reducing nitrogen and phosphorus in Iowa waters. Farmers, landowners, municipalities, agencies, conservation organizations and everyday Iowans are collaborating to make changes to help meet nutrient reduction goals. This publication addresses some frequently asked questions regarding the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.
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Nutrient pollution threatens our drinking water supply, diminishes water quality in lakes and streams, increases algal blooms that can cause beach advisories, decreases housing values, and diminishes enjoyment for residents and visitors. Learn more about the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy efforts to improve water quality in Iowa.
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Assessing your watershed community's strengths and weaknesses is an important first step in planning and implementing an effective watershed improvement project. Without citizen "buy-in" to your watershed plan, it doesn't matter how much funding or technical support you may have, your project will not be successful. The toolkit can be downloaded by section in order to personalize your watershed's plan.
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This Field Day Toolkit is the product of Iowa Learning Farms’ many years of planning and hosting field day events across the state of Iowa. While ILF utilizes many different outreach approaches, the importance of farmer-to-farmer interactions cannot be overstated. Field days do matter.
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Both Wade Dooley and Nathan Anderson are a young farmers working to increase the resiliency of their farms using a combination of conservation practices, like cover crops, and livestock.
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Discussing a new conservation practice with your landlord can be challenging. To help begin the conversation, we created a new publication series with talking points and relevant research findings about specific conservation practices.
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A business model will help you stand out as a strong emerging farmer to potential landlords, lenders, and customers. It will also give you a pathway as you start your farming journey.
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View the Iowa Learning Farms video The Work of Our Hands (9:45) which discusses the relationship of societies and agriculture, historically and today.
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What is anaerobic digestion and how could it potentially work on your farm? Check out a new infographic for more information.
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Check out our new infographic designed to help guide success in the first years of perennial vegetation establishment.
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Check out the ILF video "Strip-Tillage Crop Management" in six chapters.
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Check out the ILF video series "Converting Your Planter for No-Till Operation".
(Note: click the three lines in the top right corner of the video for the entire playlist.)
In this infographic, learn strip tillage basics including equipment needs, timing, fertilizer application and the advantages compared with traditional approaches.
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Iowa’s fertile soil has helped the state become a global agricultural leader. However, that same soil and the fertilizers used to boost crop production contribute to water quality challenges when nitrogen and phosphorus leave through drainage, runoff and erosion. The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy set statewide goals for reducing nutrient losses through a variety of practices.
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A study estimating the value of retained nutrients and land value from the use of cover crops.
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