One of the key pieces in improving Iowa’s water quality fell into place recently as Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed her first bill into law providing nearly $300 million of dedicated funding for water quality efforts in Iowa over the next 12 years. Iowa Corn Growers Association farmer-leaders joined Gov. Reynolds as she recognized them and many others for helping to champion water quality funding legislation through the statehouse.
“We thank Iowa lawmakers and Gov. Reynolds for ensuring this stable funding source as it is absolutely critical in encouraging continued collaboration across the state,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Recker, a farmer from Arlington. “State grants and loans for water-related projects will spur even greater private investment by farmers. These dollars will provide additional resources, education and outreach helping farmers scale up conservation practices on their farms and in their communities.”
ICGA also hosted two farmer-to-farmer seminars focused on the importance of soil health and conservation at the Iowa Power Farming Show. These represent farmer-led discussions happening across Iowa. “As farmers, we want to do our part,” said Recker. “I see it at every farmer event I attend, a strong desire by farmers to want to adopt conservation practices and to share with one another technical knowledge and key learnings. We are working with experts and scientists to use the latest technology and data in determining best practices. We’re taking on the challenge of making continuous improvements in preserving the water and soil on our farms. As we go forward together, we will take what we learn and adapt what we do to the conditions on our farms.”
For more information on how Iowa Corn is leading the way on water quality, go to www.iowacorn.org/water.
