Q. How do partnerships relate to the legislated mission of the Leopold Center? Why are they important?

We, like most Iowans, take both our neighbors and our partnerships seriously at the Leopold Center. Both have immense value and provide the stability, support and synergy that allow meaningful things to happen and unexpected outcomes to emerge.

The Iowa General Assembly in 1987 shared this value when it created the Leopold Center with passage of the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act. In clear language that stated the new center’s mission, we were instructed to work closely with ISU Extension to cooperatively deliver findings from our work to all Iowans.

ISU Extension has more than 105 local offices and offers a unique and far-reaching presence to help Iowans get information from the Leopold Center. Our relationship with ISU Extension is one of several key partnerships that the Leopold Center honors and values. We’ll strive to fulfill this important part of our mission.

The other clear signal about partnerships came from the Iowa General Assembly when it mandated the composition of the Leopold Center’s advisory board. We have 17 board members who represent an array of interests across Iowa. We have representatives from the three Regents institutions and private colleges and universities, and appointees from farm organizations, state government and other associations. These appointments include people from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, State Soil Conservation Committee, Agribusiness Association of Iowa, Iowa Farmers Union, Practical Farmers of Iowa, and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.

Our advisory board members offer balance in their broad range of opinions, thoughts and counsel on the work of the Center. We listen carefully and always try to operate with the very best of intentions and do what is needed for Iowa both today and tomorrow. Without the willingness of our partners to speak up and our commitment to listen, the Center cannot be successful and meet the expectations of Iowans.

Q. Outside of these partnerships, what other groups work with the Leopold Center and in what ways?

We have a rich history of partnering on many projects. The Leopold Center has funded more than 350 research and education projects and most, if not all, have involved local partners at the farm, community, county or regional levels. Sharing resources and expertise enhances our investments.

The impact of research sponsored by the Center grows when the work is done with local partners. That’s why we scrutinize all proposals for funded work using a framework that relies on local knowledge, groups and connections. We are not always looking for the best known or largest partner on a project. We want to work with groups and organizations that can get the job done and add lasting value. Local partners are a major key to success.

Q. How do you hope to strengthen existing partnerships?

Existing partnerships are strengthened only by active listening, creating new opportunities for meaningful dialogue, and openly sharing direction and intent. I do not believe that we all must agree on every part of every issue each day. But, I am struck by the fact that we have so much in common with our many partners, and share so many values and needs that beg for our attention across Iowa and in our communities and on our farms.

Q. How do you hope to bring new partners to the work of the Leopold Center?

One of the best ways to bring new partners to the Center is for those of us at the Center and our advisory board to be continually open to the changing landscape of agricultural issues. We need to continually scan for emerging trends and needs both on and off the farm. We also need to seek out others who want to join the dialogue on farm issues, and offer them support and an open ear. Our role is to be at the outer envelope of change, to step forward to consider new ways of doing things, to dream, and to take appropriate steps toward that dream. We need to help make the connections happen.

As always, I am open to your ideas for new partners and partnerships. Send me comments by e-mail, jdewitt@iastate.edu, or call me at the Center, (515) 294-3711.

Jerry DeWitt