Golden Hills RC&D

09/07/2026

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is the guiding document for improving water quality across the state.

The "Iowa Farmers and the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy: Survey Results from the Missouri-Nishnabotna Watershed" document reports a subset of results of a survey project that is focused on measuring changes in the human domain, mainly Iowa farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to reduction of nutrient losses from farmland. The results presented in this document are specific to the Missouri-Nishnabotna (HUC6) watershed.

The survey has three main objectives: measure farmer knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to nutrient management and nutrient loss into waterways; identify barriers to and facilitators of behavior change that reduces nutrient loss; and measure change in these over time. The survey data will help to gauge progress toward NRS goals and help stakeholders to adjust and refine strategies for outreach and engagement activities that promote nutrient loss reduction on Iowa farms.
https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/natural-resources-and-environment/manure-and-nutrient-management/soc3099.html

09/07/2026

Cover crops are an important tool to improve water quality on farms. Golden Hills has cost-share available for cover crops in our RCPP and Regenerative Ag programs--contact us to learn more!

Results of the recent 2026 National Cover Crop Report indicate strong interest in cover crops among many farmers who produce a wide range of crops and livestock. Among respondents to the survey, the average acreage planted with cover crops was 397.9, and their projections anticipate crossing the 400-acre mark by next year.

Read the report:

Results indicate strong interest in cover crops among many farmers who produce a wide range of crops and livestock.

09/06/2026

Iowa landowners are being asked to help document the remarkable monarch migration as thousands of butterflies make their journey south to Mexico this fall. Researchers with the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium (IMCC) ask for assistance to identify areas where monarchs rest in clusters, like trees and sheltered areas, when they funnel through Iowa during their trip.
Learn how you can help:

Iowa landowners are being asked to help document the remarkable monarch migration as thousands of butterflies make their journey south to Mexico this fall. Researchers with the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium (IMCC) ask for assistance to identify areas where monarchs rest in clusters, like tree...

09/06/2026

Riparian buffers are an eligible practice in our regenerative ag program (goldenhillsrcd.org/regenag)

About 70% of the riparian habitat in the U.S. has been polluted, drained or scraped bare.

Restoring riparian habitat buffers farmers’ fields against flooding, improves water quality and quantity on the farm and beyond, and also provides habitat for native carnivores and other animals trying to move safely between wild places on the landscape.

Learn more about waterways on farms: https://www.wildfarmalliance.org/farmland_waterways

Farmers who have Waterways can make a big impact by conserving and restoring riparian areas which disproportionately support a larger number of plants and wildlife than their adjacent farmlands.

09/05/2026

The Iowa West Foundation, in partnership with the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa and the Community Foundation for Western Iowa are coordinating the fourth annual Southwest Iowa Rural Summit at the Oakland Community Center on Thursday, October 1.

Join community leaders, elected officials, nonprofit partners, and local changemakers from across the region for a day of practical ideas, new connections, and inspiring conversations focused on strengthening rural communities. Whether you’re looking to revitalize your town, engage more volunteers, build partnerships, or discover new resources, you’ll leave with ideas you can put into action.

The Summit is free to attend, includes lunch, and offers a full day of learning and networking.
Immediately following the Summit, head over to our office for a free Happy Hour networking & socializing event from 3-4:30pm!

Register by September 18:https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=0MZLQhvuPUGNTUJWAIIxmZxXqtYq_VtGvGlHRkei-hhUQkFEUzJGR1JTQjFCT1lEWjhUSVRPUUlPUi4u&route=shorturl&fbclid=IwY2xjawUJqApwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWZGc0xzVVZWdWVvTGdrR01zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeinMUCN9VsHDfDtFoWD2X6Z3ZaIjeKK69qTAL3lfTkZyqA1dSpOZ38hfU6wI_aem_jVUqXyjkMemCgNFPkBBplg

09/05/2026

Healthy soils include a wide variety of living organisms. Regenerative agriculture is an important way to improve soil health. Golden Hills has funding for regenerative ag practices! Learn more at goldenhillsrcd.org/regenag

The soil food web is a complex interaction between fauna and flora living in healthy soils.

These groups include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, micro-arthropods, insects, small vertebrates, earthworms, and plants. Larger organisms are also a part of the system. Each specific element within the food web works together with chemical, biological, and physical forces within the environment to maintain healthy soils and monitor how it interacts with other flora and fauna. https://soil.evs.buffalo.edu/index.php/Soil_food_web

09/04/2026

Dream to Farm registration is closing soon!

Have you been thinking about starting a farm, expanding your market garden, or taking your farm business to the next level? Now is the time to sign up for Dream to Farm!

This 7-week class series is designed for produce growers, market gardeners, beginning farmers, and anyone looking to build a stronger, more sustainable farm business.

https://www.goldenhillsrcd.org/dreamtofarm.html

09/04/2026

Soil is one of the most important natural resources we have in western Iowa.

From geological forces to organic matter, explore the fascinating process of how soil is formed in this short informative video:

Explore the fascinating process of How SOIL is formed in this infor...

09/03/2026

Earlier this week, we sponsored & attended a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day near C**n Rapids about Establishing Native Historical Prairie Through Targeted Seed Selection. Jon Judson discussed collecting seed from remnant prairies, protecting land through easements, soil types, and more.

We're sponsoring another PFI field day next Friday from 10am-noon at Noble Pastures in Red Oak, titled "Making Conservation Programs Work for You." Topics will include establishing and managing a pond; hay production with bird habitat in mind; funding sources for conservation practices; and planning for pasture fencing

Learn more & RSVP: https://practicalfarmers.org/events/field-days/making-conservation-programs-work-for-you/

09/03/2026

Where Can You Pick Up a Loess Hills Hiking Guide? 🥾

Ready to start exploring? Free copies of the new Loess Hills Hiking Guide are available at seven locations throughout the Loess Hills:

📍 Hillview Recreation Area
📍 Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
📍 Brent S. Olson Memorial Visitor Center
📍 Willow Lake Nature Center
📍 Hitchcock Nature Center
📍 Pony Creek Nature Center
📍 Southern Loess Hills Welcome Center

Simply visit one of these locations and sign up for Golden Hills RC&D’s email newsletter to request your copy.

Inside, you’ll find 20 featured hiking destinations, trail maps and information, plus even more places to explore across the northern, central, and southern Loess Hills.

🥾 Find the pickup location nearest you and learn more at goldenhillsrcd.org/hiking.

Guides are available while supplies last.