Ripples of Progress ACWA highlights growth in report BY JEFF HUTTON
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he power of water, its relationship to Iowa’s ag landscape, locations downstream and the conservation efforts to protect this natural resource, continues to be the focus of Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance (ACWA). ACWA recently released its 2021 Annual Report citing “considerable growth over the past year. In addition to expanding statewide, ACWA increased water monitoring and strategically placed conservation agronomists as they work to evolve Iowa farmland for improved water quality while also “restructuring internally to enhance the return-on-investment to its members and to attract new members.” ACWA Executive Director Roger Wolf says he is pleased with the efforts and progress demonstrated in the report. “It’s a direct result of the members
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investing time and energy figuring out how we address those barriers in agriculture,” Wolf says.
temperatures are 50 degrees and trending lower). •
82% utilized the Iowa State University NPK Knowledge website, tracking soil temperatures.
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40 edge-of-field practices enrolled in cost-share programs.
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245,000+ pounds of nitrogen loss reduced.
Innovate & Sustain In 2021, ACWA completed its strategic plan. As part of the planning process, three Core Pillars were established: Leader & Advocate, Innovate & Sustain and Science to Solutions. Within the pillar framework, ACWA cites advancements in increased conservation practices, including farmer outreach, improved nutrient management and more. Among the results: •
100% of members reported implementing the ACWA’s Code of Practice requirements (e.g., delaying fall anhydrous application without a nitrification inhibitor until soil
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8,616 pounds of phosphorus loss reduced. “It’s exciting to look back,” says ACWA Board Treasurer Thomas Fawcett from Heartland Cooperative in West Des Moines. One of ACWA’s strengths this past year was 100% of members implementing ACWA’s Code of Practices methods, including “self-reporting and
