(Photo: Iowa Ag Water Alliance / Tom Collins)
What Iowans are doing about water quality
August 6, 2026
By implementing conservation practices, Iowa soybean farmers are working hard to enhance water quality for all Iowans. The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) joined WHO radio for a Clean Water Wednesday broadcast to share why conservation and water quality remain a priority for the association and soybean farmers. The broadcast was recorded live from Nick Helland’s wetland near Madrid.
Conversations From The Broadcast
Kirk Leeds - ISA CEO
ISA CEO Kirk Leeds kicked off the Clean Water Wednesday broadcast by discussing ISA’s industry-leading approach to conservation and water quality. Explore how the Iowa governors’ race, cancer rates and public concerns are impacting the agriculture industry.
Brock Webb - ISA Conservation Agronomist
ISA Conservation Agronomist Brock Webb explains how farmers can get enrolled in cost-share programs for in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices. Learn how to apply for cost-share programs, opportunities to stack funding sources and how ISA can simplify the process.
Brandon Iddings - ISA Senior Conservation Services Manager
An oxbow is an old meander of the stream that has filled in with sediment over time. Discover how oxbows are restored and the in-field benefits they provide with ISA Senior Conservation Services Manager Brandon Iddings. Also dive into how other edge-of-field practices, including wetland, buffers and saturated buffers, help filter nitrates.
Tony Seeman - ISA Water Lab Service Manager
The claim that conservation practices reduce nitrates is backed by data from the ISA water lab. ISA Water Lab Service Manager Tony Seeman shares recent water monitoring results, the impacts of wetlands on nitrate levels and how farmers can begin water sampling.
Mike Helland - Central Iowa Farmer
Central Iowa farmer Mike Helland shares his experiences with conservation, including reduced tillage, cover crops and edge-of-field practices. Focused on improving soil health and doing their part to improve water quality, Helland explains what prompted his family to adopt conservation practices and how their approach has evolved over time.
Shane Beck - ISA Research Agronomist
The Iowa Soybean Association Research Center for Farming Innovation conducts on-farm trials to deliver insights to farmers to help them improve their productivity, profitability and sustainability. ISA Research Agronomist Shane Beck explores results from recent cover crop and nitrogen stabilizer trials related to improving water quality.
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