By Andi Anderson
A new report from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach reveals that while most Iowa farmers know about the state’s nutrient reduction plan, many remain uncertain about its effectiveness and face obstacles to further action.
The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS), launched in 2013 to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff and limit Gulf of Mexico hypoxia, was the focus of the 2024 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll.
Nearly 1,000 farmers responded, allowing researchers to compare results with a similar 2014 survey.
Awareness has grown over the decade, with nearly 90 percent of farmers now familiar with the INRS, up from 80 percent in 2014. Farm media, Iowa State University Extension, government agencies, and commodity groups were the main sources of information.
Concern about agriculture’s impact on Iowa’s water quality remains high at 70 percent, though slightly lower than 76 percent a decade ago. About half of respondents agreed that nutrients from Iowa farms contribute to Gulf hypoxia, while 44 percent were uncertain.
Support for conservation has softened. Seventy-four percent of farmers said producers should do more to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff, down from 84 percent in 2014.
Sixty-three percent plan to improve conservation practices on their land, and just over half believe ag retailers should help more with nutrient loss issues.
Barriers to progress include landlords’ reluctance to invest in conservation and short-term profit pressures, each cited by 53 percent of respondents. Twenty percent said further reductions would be too costly, and 58 percent were unsure. Only 41 percent agreed that the INRS has made major strides in reducing nutrient loss.
“Iowa continues to have major nutrient-related water quality issues,” said report author J. Arbuckle, professor and extension sociologist at Iowa State. “While the findings show strong awareness, we need to help farmers maintain progress toward INRS goals.”
The report calls for renewed outreach, stronger conservation support, and expanded efforts to encourage farmers and stakeholders to adopt practices that protect Iowa’s waterways.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Iowa, General