Iowa Farmers Split on Nutrient Reduction Strategy Progress

By Andi Anderson

A new Iowa State University Extension and Outreach report shows Iowa farmers are increasingly aware of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS) while holding mixed opinions about its progress.

The INRS, launched in 2013, aims to cut nitrogen and phosphorus losses to Iowa waterways and reduce contributions to Gulf of Mexico hypoxia.

Drawing on results from the 2024 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll of nearly 1,000 farmers, researchers compared attitudes to a similar 2014 survey. Awareness rose to nearly 90% in 2024, up from 80% in 2014, with farm media, ISU Extension, agencies, and commodity groups serving as the main information sources.

Concern about agriculture’s impact on water quality remains high but eased slightly: 70% expressed concern in 2024, down from 76% in 2014. Fewer than half agreed nutrients from Iowa farms contribute to Gulf hypoxia, while 44% were unsure about the connection.

Support for conservation also softened. Seventy-four percent agreed farmers should do more to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff, compared with 84% in 2014. Sixty-three percent said they would like to improve conservation on their land, and 52% believe ag retailers should do more to help address nutrient losses.

The leading barriers to action were landlord reluctance to invest in conservation (53%) and short-term pressures to make profit margins (53%). One in five agreed further reductions would be too costly, and 58% were uncertain about costs.

Views on effectiveness were mixed: 41% agreed the INRS has made major strides in reducing nutrient loss, yet nearly half were uncertain about progress.

The report calls for renewed efforts to raise awareness, strengthen support for the strategy, and expand adoption of practices that reduce nutrient losses.

“Iowa continues to have major nutrient-related water quality issues,” said report author and ISU sociologist J. Arbuckle. “While most farmers support the strategy’s goals, we need to up our game to maintain momentum toward INRS goals.”

The Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll has gathered farmer perspectives annually since 1982 to inform research, extension programming, and policy decisions. The full report is available from ISU Extension and Outreach, with contact information provided for inquiries.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university