February 11, 2026: The Underappreciated Role of Soil Organic Matter in Protecting Water Quality

With Steven Hall and Hariom Yadav

January 28, 2026: What Decade Are We Measuring? Improved Understanding of Groundwater Age and Nitrate Trends in Minnesota’s Karst Region

With Kevin Kuehner

Webinars, Conservation, Water ConservationAlena WhitakerJanuary 28, 2026nitrate, groundwater, minnesota, water, stream

December 17, 2025: Hydrologic and Crop Production Impacts of Drainage District Improvements

With Eric Henning

December 10, 2025: Prairie Strips Support Migrating Monarchs and Breeding Birds

With Matt Stephenson

Webinars, Conservation, Water Conservation, Edge of Field, LivestockLiz RipleyDecember 10, 2025

December 3, 2025: Designing Ponds for Private Landowners

With Michael Otten

November 26, 2025: "We Can Do Better": Paul Johnson's Legacy for Agriculture, Conservation, and Land Stewardship

With Curt Meine

November 19, 2025: Economic Analysis of Drainage Water Recycling Systems

With Chris Hay and Spencer Pech

From Ennui to Empowerment: Farmer Boredom and the Innovation of Relay Intercropping in Iowa

Though the back roads of Iowa on a clear July morning may reflect the beauty of a Grant Wood painting, the underlying canvas for some who methodically farm those acres of corn and soybean reveals something much less placid—boredom brought on by structural strain. A venturous group of Iowa farmers, however, has found that boredom can also be the brushstroke that inspires innovation.

Water Conservation, Conservation Crops, Relay Intercropping, Soil ConservationAnn StaudtSeptember 5, 2025

Managing Manure Transport with Prairie Strips

Managing Manure Transport with Prairie Strips

Recent science suggests yet another benefit of prairie strips: manure management to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Soil Conservation, Conservation Crops, Water ConservationLiz RipleyJuly 29, 2025

How to Increase Iowa Farmers’ and Landowners’ Understanding of Edge-of-Field Practices: Evidence from a 2024 Survey

Conservation practices are crucial for sustainable agricultural production and the preservation of healthy ecosystems. These practices significantly enhance soil health, water quality, and biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Edge-of-field (EOF) practices, such as saturated buffers, bioreactors, and water quality enhancement wetlands, play a pivotal role in improving water quality by effectively reducing nutrient loads and fostering wildlife habitats.

Edge of Field, Water ConservationAnn StaudtMay 13, 2025

Decoding Iowa Farmers’ Understanding of Edge-of-Field Conservation Practices

Widespread adoption of edge-of-field (EOF) practices—such as saturated buffers, bioreactors, and water quality enhancement wetlands—is vital to achieving the goal of 45% nutrient reduction outlined in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. However, few farmers in the state have embraced EOF practices on their land—this project investigates why.

Edge of Field, Water ConservationAnn StaudtMarch 18, 2025

Iowa Wetlands

Iowa is home to a diverse array of wetland ecosystems that provide multiple benefits to humans and the natural world. These wetlands are essential for the survival of plants and animals adapted to life in a wet environment, including many rare and endangered species.

Conservation, Water Conservation, Edge of FieldLiz RipleyNovember 14, 2024

A Closer Look: Beavers as Superheroes of Water Quality

Learn about how humans and beavers can work together to coexist on our landscapes in both rural and urban settings.

Conservation, Water ConservationLiz RipleyMay 3, 2024

Oxbow Restoration Toolkit

Learn about the oxbow wetland restoration process with this toolkit.

Edge of Field, Water ConservationAlena WhitakerFebruary 1, 2024

Anaerobic Digesters for Renewable Natural Gas

Anaerobic Digesters for Renewable Natural Gas

One way farmers can participate in the shift towards more renewable energy is by building an anaerobic digester on their farm or supplying feedstock for a nearby digester.

Soil Conservation, Conservation Crops, Water ConservationLiz RipleyNovember 28, 2022

Redefining the Field Edge: Improving Farm Profitability with Strategically Placed Prairie

What is redefining the field edge?
A land-use-change concept that alters a field’s cropping boundaries, converting some parts of the field to perennial prairie vegetation.

Soil Conservation, Conservation Crops, Water Conservation, ConservationLiz RipleyAugust 22, 2022

Whole Farm Conservation Best Practices Manual

This publication provides best management recommendations for farmers and landowners getting started with conservation and water quality practices by helping select and incorporate in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices most appropriate to the decision maker's land and preferences.

Conservation, Edge of Field, Water Conservation, Soil ConservationLiz RipleyJuly 6, 2022