Many good ideas, Josiah! Thanks for getting the discussion going. Agreed that farmers should be required to follow their conservation plan before receiving crop insurance subsidies or other government payments. Maybe not much enforcement, though? And that those payments should go to land conservation - NOT CAFO structures, which I believe are allowed by EQUIP. And do I recall that CDI endorsed the stream buffer concept - which went nowhere when the bill was introduced in the Iowa Legislature? CRP sign-up is through FSA office, but NRCS reviews the seeding and establishment recommendations. Have you seen a conflict or disconnect with involving 2 agencies?
Thanks, Josiah. Your questions would be an excellent starting point for pursuing one-on-one relationships with farmers who exercise decision-making votes on Iowa's soil and water. We have our work cut out for us!
Excellent suggestion Josiah. Soil Commissioners play an important role in each county when they decide what money goes to what farmer/farms. I think they are undervalued. Many serve for decades on the boards because no one is interested in serving - truly not understanding the important role commissioners play. I was an assistant commissioner for a number of years but didn't feel I was adding anything, perhaps because assistants don't have a vote in decision making. Urban and rural need to work together on water quality and this might be the way as you suggest. Thank you.
Thank you Denise. Commissioners whom I have known are not prone to seek attention. Thus it seems important for journalists to seek them out. I realize the issues are not sexy and juicy, so tend to be ignored by mainstream press, but so are many of our most nuanced and knotty problems.
Thanks. Forgot to mention that shortage of contractors for terracing may be a problem in parts of Iowa. That sort of work must be squeezed in during wet years. Of course, I happen to think most of the state lacks adequate terracing. No-till can’t do the full job. Another topic to discuss....
Know what you mean. Been there
Many good ideas, Josiah! Thanks for getting the discussion going. Agreed that farmers should be required to follow their conservation plan before receiving crop insurance subsidies or other government payments. Maybe not much enforcement, though? And that those payments should go to land conservation - NOT CAFO structures, which I believe are allowed by EQUIP. And do I recall that CDI endorsed the stream buffer concept - which went nowhere when the bill was introduced in the Iowa Legislature? CRP sign-up is through FSA office, but NRCS reviews the seeding and establishment recommendations. Have you seen a conflict or disconnect with involving 2 agencies?
Larry- As with all our laws, the devil is in the details of enforcement. I’m glad to hear that CDI supported the buffer strip bill.
Larry- Not conflict, but unnecessary confusion due to involvement of two agencies.
Thanks, Josiah. Your questions would be an excellent starting point for pursuing one-on-one relationships with farmers who exercise decision-making votes on Iowa's soil and water. We have our work cut out for us!
Excellent suggestion Josiah. Soil Commissioners play an important role in each county when they decide what money goes to what farmer/farms. I think they are undervalued. Many serve for decades on the boards because no one is interested in serving - truly not understanding the important role commissioners play. I was an assistant commissioner for a number of years but didn't feel I was adding anything, perhaps because assistants don't have a vote in decision making. Urban and rural need to work together on water quality and this might be the way as you suggest. Thank you.
Thank you Denise. Commissioners whom I have known are not prone to seek attention. Thus it seems important for journalists to seek them out. I realize the issues are not sexy and juicy, so tend to be ignored by mainstream press, but so are many of our most nuanced and knotty problems.
Thanks. Forgot to mention that shortage of contractors for terracing may be a problem in parts of Iowa. That sort of work must be squeezed in during wet years. Of course, I happen to think most of the state lacks adequate terracing. No-till can’t do the full job. Another topic to discuss....
Good points!