Report on Iowa Learning Farms Field Day: Advancing Sustainable Agriculture and Water Quality

Event Overview

Iowa Learning Farms will host a cover crop, soil health, and water quality field day on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the farm of Alex and Shelley Woodall, located at 2263 350th St, Jewell, IA 50130. This no-cost event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal. Reservations are required by July 10 to ensure adequate space and food. Attendees can RSVP by contacting Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or via email.

Focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This event strongly supports multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – promoting sustainable agriculture through cover crops to improve soil fertility and crop yields.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – reducing nutrient runoff and improving water quality in local watersheds.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – enhancing soil carbon sequestration and resilience against extreme weather.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land – supporting sustainable land management and biodiversity through conservation practices.

Key Topics and Activities

• Cover Crops Benefits: Cover crops improve soil health, reduce erosion, suppress weeds, lower nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, and increase soil organic matter.
• Reduced Tillage Synergy: Combining cover crops with reduced tillage enhances water infiltration and minimizes erosion during heavy rains.
• Host Presentation: Alex Woodall, a Hamilton County farmer, will share his experience integrating cover crops to enhance soil and water quality.
• Cover Crop Interseeding Demonstration: Ruth McCabe and Nolan Grove from Heartland Co-op will demonstrate high clearance interseeding techniques.
• Watershed Management Insights: Linda Murken, Story County Supervisor and member of the Headwaters of the South Skunk River Watershed Management Authority, will discuss ongoing water quality improvement efforts in the watershed.
• Conservation Station On The Edge Trailer: Presented by Iowa Learning Farms to showcase additional conservation practices that reduce nutrient concentrations.
• Cost Share Information: Practical Farmers of Iowa will provide details on cover crop cost share programs.

Partnerships and Support

This field day is organized in partnership with:

• Ioway and Headwaters of the South Skunk Watershed Management Authorities
• Heartland Co-op
• Clean Water Iowa
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

These collaborations emphasize a community-driven approach to achieving sustainable agriculture and water resource management aligned with SDGs.

About Iowa Learning Farms

Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms aims to build a Culture of Conservation by encouraging the adoption of best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while maintaining farm profitability. The initiative involves farmers, researchers, and extension teams working collaboratively to identify and implement sustainable solutions.

Key partners include:

• Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
• Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Iowa Department of Natural Resources
• EPA Section 319 Grant Program
• GROWMARK, Inc.

Conclusion

The upcoming field day represents a critical step toward advancing sustainable agricultural practices that support the Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing soil health, protecting water quality, and promoting climate resilience. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate and contribute to these vital conservation efforts.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Focus on sustainable agriculture through cover crops and improved soil health.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Efforts to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies to improve water quality.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Promotion of sustainable farming practices such as reduced tillage and cover cropping.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Soil conservation, reduced erosion, and increased organic matter to maintain healthy ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, help maintain ecosystems, and strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and substantially increasing water recycling and safe reuse.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Soil Health Indicators
   • Increase in organic matter in soil.
   • Reduction in soil erosion rates.
   • Improved water infiltration rates.
2. Water Quality Indicators
   • Reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies.
   • Concentration levels of nutrients in water bodies within the watershed.
3. Adoption of Sustainable Practices
   • Number of farmers adopting cover crops and reduced tillage practices.
   • Area of farmland using cover crop interseeding techniques.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: morningagclips.com