February 2023
February 9, 2023
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In this issue...
On the Cover
Iowa Soybean Association Conservation Agronomist Ryan Johnson examines leaves in a soybean field. Johnson works closely with an ag retail partner in northwest Iowa to engage farmers in conservation programs and practices. He also provides agronomy and conservation expertise to farmers and helps them engage in state and federal cost share funding.
Executive Insights: All about growth
Here’s to a very bright future for a people-first ISA and a soybean industry that’s always growing to make the most of opportunity – and, when necessary – create it.
Page 4
Extreme weather’s risk to soy mitigated by better breeding, water management
Imagine if you could control the weather, like making it rain when it’s needed and stop when it’s not?
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Growing popularity in partner-driven conservation enhances natural resources
The North Raccoon Partnership for Soil and Water Outcomes is using the partner-backed approach to improve soil health and water quality resulting in reduced nutrient and sediment volumes.
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Meet the Director: Scot Bailey
Meet Iowa soybean producer Scot Bailey. He's also on the ISA Board of Directors.
Page 10
ACWA Marks Nutrient Reduction Strategy Anniversary
Wolf, executive director of Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance (ACWA), says work on nutrient reduction began in earnest 20 to 30 years ago.
Page 12
What we learned about cover crops in 2022
ISA Senior Field Services Program Manager Scott Nelson is looking through data from the 2022 growing season as he prepares to assist producers with their cover crop management practices in 2023.
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Myth Busting - Conservation Edition
While Iowa farmers have been implementing and innovating conservation practices long before the adoption of the Iowa NRS, there are still a lot of misconceptions about conservation practices.
Page 20
International Drainage Symposium comes to Iowa
Last summer, the 11th International Drainage Symposium came to Iowa for the first time and was co-chaired by Iowa Soybean Association Senior Research Scientist Dr. Chris Hay and Iowa State University’s Dr. Matt Helmers.
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Farmland values highest since the 1940s
High commodity prices, limited land supply and low-interest rates through the summer of 2022 helped push average Iowa farmland values up 17% over 2021 values.
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Leveraging checkoff investments for real results
ISA RCFI is leveraging soybean checkoff dollars and finding additional funding and partnership resources that help farmers with innovative research, tools and technical support.
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Implement a continuous improvement process for your farm
Adopting the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle could help improve processes on your farm, and the ISA RCFI team is here to help.
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Rural Route 2: A new resolution
If your list of resolutions includes building a Rolodex of experts who can help you be more productive and profitable, consider the experts at ISA.
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