ANKENY – The Iowa Soybean Association, with the support Gov. Terry Branstad, is offering the nation’s first voluntary nutrient reduction strategy plan. Branstad’s proposal calls for $2.4 million in fiscal 2014 and $4.4 million in fiscal 2015 for the agriculture water quality initiative. 

“This funding signals a positive step in moving this strategy into a workable plan for our farmers,” said Roger Wolf, ISA director of environmental services. “We hope the Legislature agrees with the recommendations offered by the department of agriculture. When it comes to financial support, we recognize that there are many competing interests that need to be balanced and we’re happy to see water quality on the list of priorities.” 

The funding will provide support for marketing, outreach and a water quality initiative cost share program that will be matched by farmers or land owners to implement targeted conservation practices ranging from conservation tillage to bio-reactors to cover crops.