See it to believe it: Conservation in action

March 26, 2026 | Kriss Nelson

Seeing is believing when it comes to conservation.

That’s the idea behind a hands-on field tour on April 9 in western Iowa, where farmers can step out of the shop and into the field to see conservation practices in action.

From drainage water recycling to cover crops and reduced tillage, the goal is simple: Give farmers a chance to evaluate what works, ask questions and decide what fits their own operation.

“Want to find out how to successfully implement conservation practices on your field? Want to improve soil health and water quality while maintaining productivity?” asks Alex Logan, Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) conservation agronomist. “This is a chance to see it for yourself.”

Choose your own adventure

A choose-your-own-adventure style event, The Conservation in Action: Western Iowa Field Tour, is hosted by ISA, Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance, Iowa Cover Crop, Landus Cooperative and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, focusing on practical, in-field learning.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., beginning at Mark Schleisman’s farm, 1552 365th Street, Lake City, where participants can grab refreshments and pick up a tour passport before heading out to stops across the area.

To see a map of the seven stops included on the tour, click here.

Farmer insights

Along the way, farmers and conservation professionals will be stationed in the field, sharing their experiences with practices such as saturated buffers, bioreactors and cover crops.

It’s not just about seeing the practices but hearing directly from farmers who are using them.

“They’ll talk through what’s worked, what hasn’t and how they’ve adjusted over time,” Logan says. “That farmer-to-farmer piece is what really helps bring it home.”

The flexible format allows attendees to build their own route, stopping at sites that match their interests.

After visiting at least four locations, participants can check in at Iowa Cover Crop, 1669 N. Ave., Jefferson, to receive a lunch voucher for Bett & Bev’s BBQ in Jefferson.

“We are giving farmers a little extra incentive to keep exploring, ask more questions and see a wider range of practices in action across the tour,” says Logan.

Each stop also increases the chance to win a $100 gift certificate to be used at Iowa Cover Crop.

“For farmers weighing their next step, come take a look. Sometimes the best way to understand conservation is to see it working in the field,” says Logan.

For more information, contact Logan at alogan@iasoybeans.com or calling 515-729-9831.

Written by Kriss Nelson.

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