State and NCGA staff who deal with environmental and sustainability issues like water quality met in Colorado this week to discuss efforts by farmers to assure both the quality and quantity of water society will need in the future.
The Water Quality Working Group, representing 11 states from Ohio to Colorado, discussed successes and compared notes on challenges farmers face as they increase sustainability efforts while balancing society’s future need for increased productivity.
Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District hosted the meeting and provided a close-up look at how they manage and conserve water to meet the needs of the growing population and a flourishing agricultural industry in what was once known as “the great American desert.”
The group was also briefed on the Natural Resources, Conservation Service’s ongoing Conservation Effects Assessment Program. Information and data collected through this initiative is expected to reflect the positive impact of increased conservation on modern farms as well as identify pathways for continued improvement.
The group also discussed hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico and toured the Agricultural Research, Demonstration and Educational Center at Colorado State University.
COVID-19 Resources
NCGA is taking a series of actions to do our part to help contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the economic fallout it is creating for corn farmers and our customers. Short term, this means instituting policies to protect the health and safety of our stakeholders and the broader communities we serve. Long term, we’re focused on creating solutions to help corn farmers and our customers recover from the financial impacts of this crisis.
CommonGround
CommonGround is a group of farmers connecting with consumers through conversations about science and research and personal stories about food and misinformation surrounding farming. Supported by the NCGA and state corn organizations.
SHP
The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) is a farmer-led initiative that fosters transformation in agriculture through improved soil health. Administered by NCGA the partnership has more than 220 working farms enrolled in 16 states. SHP’s mission is to utilize science and data to partner with farmers who are adopting conservation agricultural practices that improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the farm.