Business : Landowner Education Graduates Enhance Knowledge of Soil Health and Communication

Landowner Education Graduates Enhance Knowledge of Soil Health and Communication

Seventeen Iowans graduated from the second cohort of the Landowner Education Program in July.

Organized by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the program features five in-person and two virtual educational events to help landowners improve the environmental and economic resiliency of their land through soil health practices.

The program is intended for agricultural landowners in Iowa who want to learn about practices such as reduced tillage, cover crops and perennials, understand the important financial and legal considerations of adopting these practices and build a supportive network of conservation professionals and peers.

"In Iowa, 58% of farmland is leased, and those who own the land but do not farm it have varying levels of engagement with its soil, water resources and habitat," said Catherine DeLong, water quality program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach and program co-leader. "Our goal is to help landowners focus on the 'how' - how to take care of their soil, how to navigate financial programs to help cover the cost and how to talk with family members or tenants about changes."

In addition to DeLong, the program was presented by co-leader Julia Baker, natural resources program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. Other extension and area natural resources professionals educated landowners, including Meaghan Anderson, field agronomist, and Ethan Thies, conservation field specialist, with ISU Extension and Outreach; Kristiana Coutu, director of the Beginning Farmer Center and senior counsel for the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State; Ann Johanns, program specialist and manager of Ag Decision Maker with ISU Extension and Outreach; Hillary Olson, state soil specialist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Tim Youngquist, farmer liaison for Prairie Strips; as well as personnel from Practical Farmers of Iowa, Pheasants Forever and Hertz Farm Management.

Brandon and Hannah Kerkhoff, beginning landowners from Carroll County and members of the 2025 graduating class, said the program will help them practice conservation methods more confidently.

"We've always dabbled in conservation practices, but the knowledge we have gained from this program has made us more confident using those continuously," Hannah Kerkhoff said.

"After each meeting, there was always a piece of information we learned that was something new. It was great to get that," added Brandon Kerkhoff. "It's the small things that can help us make a big difference."

Those interested in participating in the third cohort of the Landowner Education program can sign up to be notified when the application opens.

Like the 2025 class, participants will attend educational sessions focused on conservation practices, leasing and taxation implications, as well as communication strategies for the key influencers on their farm. The application will open in March 2026, and events will take place in June and July in central Iowa.

"This is a unique opportunity for landowners to take a deep dive into learning more about stewarding their land," said Baker. "Throughout the program, they often find solidarity in talking with other landowners in the cohort about their challenges and gain new ideas from each other's successes."

Space is limited, and grant funding currently allows the program to be offered at no cost, although applications are required. The program will be offered in 2026, 2028 and 2030.

For more information, contact Catherine DeLong at crdelong@iastate.edu or Julia Baker at jaclymer@iastate.edu.