Brewing Conservation

February 26, 2026 | Kriss Nelson

Farmers who attend Brewing Conservation on the Cedar: Vol. 2 will leave with practical ideas they can use in the field, from sharpening nitrogen decisions to learning how local partnerships are working to protect water while keeping operations productive and profitable.

“This is the fourth year of this meeting and the second year in downtown Cedar Rapids, and it continues to be a priority for both farmers and non-farmers,” says Evan Brehm, conservation agronomist with the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). “The event brings together rural and urban audiences who are all working toward the same goals of profitability and water quality.”

The March 11 event brings together farmers, agronomists, researchers and conservation partners for an afternoon of discussion focused on real-world nutrient management and water quality efforts in the Cedar River watershed, followed by a social at Big Grove Brewery.

“Supporting industries engage in a relaxed environment to highlight agriculture and the positive outcomes of conservation,” he says. “Those benefits don’t just stay on the farm. They extend to the broader community and society as a whole.”

The meeting runs from 1 to 3:15 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, 50 2nd Ave. Bridge, Cedar Rapids, with check-in opening at noon.

Attendees can expect to take home practical, field-level insights.

“We’ll talk about variable-rate nitrogen, how conservation practices reduce nutrient runoff, and the support available from ag retailers in the Middle Cedar Watershed,” Brehm says. “We’ll also cover cost-share programs to help kickstart cover crops and explain what edge-of-field practices are and where they can fit in a field.”

Agenda highlights include:

• Cedar River Source Water Partnership activities and what’s ahead, with Mary Beth Stevenson of the City of Cedar Rapids Utilities
• The Iowa Nitrogen Initiative and  N-Fact , with Melissa Miller from Iowa State University
• Nutrient management with alternative products, with Tom Fox of Fish Head Farms
• Agronomy in the Middle Cedar region, with Cole Goerdt and Doug Riceof Linn Cooperative
• The role of the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, with Rebekah Jones of the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, and Chris Flenkner from Big Grove Brewery

After the meeting adjourns, the conversation will continue with a social beginning at 3:45 p.m. at Big Grove Brewery, 170 1st St. SW. The social will include free appetizers and a special beer release supporting water quality, with $1 per pint donated to the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance.

The event is sponsored by the Cedar River Source Water Partnership, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Linn Cooperative Oil Company, USDA/NRCS, Big Grove Brewery, Fish Head Farms and CHS.

Attendees are encouraged to reserve their spot in advance and will receive a T-shirt with registration. Questions about the event can be directed to Brehm at ebrehm@iasoybeans.com.

Written by Kriss Nelson.

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