Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Partnership launches campaign to help farmers save time, money and soil

Back to Leopold Letter Fall 2009

Residue matters. A new campaign aims to show Iowans why, informing farmers about the importance of what’s left over after harvest.

Call it stover, residue, cobs or stalks – crop residue plays an important role in building soil quality, reducing soil erosion, improving water quality, saving time and increasing long-term profitability.

“In these volatile economic times, knowledge is key for crop producers to make the right decisions for both short and long-term profitability,” said Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. “Knowledge about residue’s value and its management can help producers make the right choices for their operation.”

Northey kicked off the Residue Matters campaign during opening day of the Clay County Fair in Spencer. Twelve public and private partners developed the campaign. Leopold Center Director Jerry DeWitt, who also coordinates the Iowa Learning Farm, serves as co-chair of the campaign representing Iowa State University.

The campaign goal is to increase the acres of conservation tillage in 15 northwest Iowa counties by 25 percent within the next five years. Producers are encouraged to get more information from their local USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service office, Iowa State University Extension office, or the campaign Web site.

Partners in the campaign include: Ag Partners, Agribusiness Association of Iowa, Conservation Districts of Iowa, Iowa Certified Crop Advisors, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship-Division of Soil Conservation, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Environmental Council, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa State University and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Back to Leopold Letter Fall 2009