The Iowa Farmers Union announced on April 16 that it will hold a Lunch & Learn event on April 23 at 12:30 pm Central Time to discuss how farmers can help address Iowa’s water quality challenges and the obstacles they face.
The event aims to highlight both the efforts of local farmers in improving water quality and the barriers preventing broader adoption of conservation practices. This issue has drawn national attention, with many looking to farmers for potential solutions.
Zack Smith, a fifth-generation farmer from Winnebago County, and Aaron Lehman, president of the Iowa Farmers Union, will lead the conversation. Smith manages a farm near Buffalo Center where he grows corn, soybeans, and oats on 1,200 acres. For more than fifteen years he has used methods such as strip tillage, cover crops, and precision nutrient management to improve soil and water health. He is also part of the Lobe Rangers group that advocates for stronger state policies on water quality.
Lehman is expected to discuss legislative and systemic hurdles that make it difficult for farmers to adopt conservation measures statewide. According to organizers: “Aaron will discuss the legislative and systemic barriers that make it harder for farmers to implement conservation practices. Zack will share what he’s doing on his farm, what’s working, and what farmers need from policymakers to scale up these solutions across the state.” The session is open for registration online.
The Iowa Farmers Union promotes social well-being by supporting sustainable farming practices intended to ensure safe food supplies and strong communities according to its official website. The organization aligns with the National Farmers Union in order to increase its policy influence according to its official website. Its mission includes strengthening independent family farms through education initiatives, legislative advocacy, collaboration efforts, sustainable production support—and by championing vibrant rural communities according to its official website.
Policies at the Iowa Farmers Union are crafted at a grassroots level by members before being formally approved according to its official website. The union serves family farms across Iowa as well as rural residents statewide according to its official website, shaping legislation through member-endorsed positions designed both for family farm support and equitable market access according to its official website.
