Farmers talking with neighbors is prime driver of success across watersheds
Root River Field to Stream Partnership gathered data, but more importantly, it engaged with growers and encouraged conversations among growers that led to positive changes in soil and water.
Proving collaboration is possible
Cooperation between local partners in Pike County is increasing the number of cover cropped acres. Producers John and Sandy Scherder say it has everything to do with the will to connect.
A model for farmer-driven watershed improvement asks, “What next?”
Farmer Jeff Pape rallied neighbors to farm differently in Hewitt Creek Watershed, near Iowa’s Field of Dreams. “Affordable change came first. Now reaching water quality goals means more investment.
Addressing water quality connects neighbors in Blackhawk Creek Watershed
Blackhawk Creek carries E. coli bacteria and 2,720 tons of nitrates to the Cedar River annually. Neighbors established Blackhawk Creek Water & Soil Coalition to restore it.
Root causes, root solutions
Root River Field to Stream Partnership tracks the effect of farm practices on streams and helps landowners act for the future. See how Steph and Josh Dahl invested to expand their operation.
Working together locally for farms, streams and economic growth
In southwest Wisconsin, farming practices such as cover crops, contour strips and native grass strips help sustain recreational fishing that generates more than $1 billion annually for the local economy.
Farmers lead for healthier soil and water
At a Watershed Leaders Network workshop, participants ask: How do I farm, protect public waters and get return on my investment? How do I catalyze others to do the same?
Video | Field to Stream Partnership lessons learned
Lessons learned from seven years of monitoring and stories of three farmers are shared in this video, released in 2018.
At Indian Creek, collaboration shifts local norms
Community outreach led by a farmer-driven steering committee in Indian Creek watershed transformed nutrient use and helped bring 50% of basin farmland into conservation practice.
Lanesboro, Minnesota | August 1-3, 2016
Three days of stories, listening and active conversation between Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin farmer-led groups focused their commitment to active work at home and contributed to formation of two new groups.
Dubuque, Iowa | November 28-30, 2016
At the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, farmer-driven soil health and watershed groups learned about each others’ land, crops and conservation delivery systems, social realities and challenges. Then stories, questions, dialogues, listening and local group work helped define next wise steps for work at home.
Dubuque, Iowa | November 28-29, 2017
For two days at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa, 60 people connected with peers to share their work for soil health, streams and places they care about. Fourteen farmer-driven watershed groups participated.