Articles Tagged: Cover crops

Nitrate concentrations, exacerbated by a wet spring that followed years of dry conditions, reached near record highs in Iowa rivers this summer.

Throughout most of 2025, Midwest cattle farmers have seen record highs in terms of productivity on their farms. However, recent market developments have cast a shadow on these successes, with some farmers expressing concerns ahead of next year.

Temperatures across the state of Iowa were near the climatological normal, though precipitation was below average as parts of the state slid into dry conditions for the close of harvest season, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Featuring Eastern Iowa women who have experienced powerful paths of achievement for themselves, their families and their communities.

A lifelong fascination with amphibians and care for wildlife ultimately led to Mary Beth Stevenson’s current job of restoring and preserving wetlands in the Cedar Rapids area.

According to Iowa State University, there are about 20 on-farm anaerobic digestion systems in Iowa.

The use of cover crops in Iowa has expanded significantly in recent years. The conservation practice is promoted by the state through cost share incentives — an effort by the Iowa Department of Agriculture to reduce nutrients that contribute to the Gulf dead zone. But new research suggests that while the number of acres being planted with cover crops has grown, not all farmers are sticking with the practice.

While Iowa’s problems are uniquely severe, nitrate levels are a rising concern in other regions, from California to the Chesapeake Bay.

Iowa’s data for the Midwest Cover Crops Council cover crop decision tool, which was last revised in 2019, was updated to include 13 new cover crop species, more recent seeding dates that are accurate to county-level climate data and reviewed ratings of species for the area.

The Gazette will host a series of free, virtual talks about the future of agriculture this week, including advances in drone technology and crop genetics, such as short-statured corn.

Also in the Capitol Notebook: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds leads trade mission to India

Bill would increase funding for conservation, but lacks climate-oriented IRA funding

The two-pronged plan details how Iowa hopes to reduce its nutrient pollution from agriculture and industry.

The Gazette dove into ISU data to investigate how to-date conservation practices and facility upgrades have impacted Iowa’s nitrogen and phosphorous pollution

“These are farmers and landowners who want to do conservation on their farm. They want to do something we all seem to support — which is conserving natural resources,” said Jonathan Coppess, an associate professor and director of the Gardner Agriculture Policy Program at the University of Illinois.