Fertilizer runoff viewpoints differ in state ag campaigns

The candidates for Iowa's agriculture secretary present a clear choice on one of the state's most pressing issues - how to reduce the fertilizer runoff that is polluting the state's water and contributing to a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico.

Incumbent Republican Bill Northey, who helped draft the state's voluntary nutrient reduction strategy, has been working with farmers, agriculture interest groups and state lawmakers to encourage participation and secure cost-share funding.

It's gaining momentum and, with continued support and funding, will work, he said.

But Democrat Sherrie Taha said increased regulation will be required to stem the flow of nitrate, phosphorus and soil that is rendering much of the state's surface water unfit for recreation.

Northey, who raises corn and soybeans in Dickinson County, said more farmers are adopting practices such as cover crops and filter strips that reduce the volume of nutrients entering the water from farm fields.

Conservation practice demonstrations are being held around the state to showcase successful techniques, he said.

Northey sees his job as helping to popularize conservation practices and secure cost-share funds to help farmers adopt them.

'All Iowans have a part to play in improving our water quality,” he said.

Taha, a Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District commissioner since 2012, believes that such voluntary measures won't work.

'Voluntary programs have gotten us into our mess with soil erosion and poor water quality,” she said.

The all-volunteer nutrient reduction strategy 'is not a particularly effective road map to a better environment,” she said.

Asserting that farmers who rent ground have less incentive to protect and improve it than landowners, Taha said she would seek legislation requiring the incorporation of conservation practices into farmland rental leases.

A big part of his job, Northey said, consists of promoting agriculture and expanding markets for the farm products produced in Iowa.

Taha said Iowa's agriculture secretary should speak for all 3 million Iowans and not be a 'mouthpiece for farm industry and interest groups.”

Taha said she would broaden farm policy discussions to include as much input from consumers and conservationists as from producers, processors and manufacturers of seed, fertilizer and pesticides.

Though they do not necessarily agree on the causes of climate change, both candidates agree that Iowa's climate is getting wetter and that farmers have to adjust their practices accordingly to be good stewards of the land.

Levi Benning, of Plainfield, of the New Independent Party Iowa, also is running for the post.

Election Day is Nov. 4.