An effort focused on getting more farmers to use new and old conservation practices will begin this spring. Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District is the project leader for the West Fork Crooked Creek Water Quality and Soil Health Initiative.

Tony Maxwell, District Conservationist for Washington County, says they’re among eight groups in the state chosen for this initial round of grants.

The goal is to get farmers using practices outlined in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, in an attempt to reduce erosion and nutrient runoff in the state. Maxwell explains they’ll use the nearly $500,000 grant to provide cost sharing for farmers willing to adopt things like cover crops.

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