Iowa farmers are increasingly familiar with the state’s nutrient reduction strategy and nearly three of four plan to implement practices included in the strategy this year according to a survey by Agri-Pulse and Iowa Soybean Association.

More than 88% of farmers participating in the survey were familiar with the strategy while 76% said they plan to implement practices recommend in the strategy on their farm this year.

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, developed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Iowa State University, seeks to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous loads to Iowa’s waters and the Gulf of Mexico from point and non-point sources by at least 45%.

Eighty-five active soybean farmers participated in this informal Internet survey. It is conducted six times annually to gain insight into farmer opinions on timely issues and topics including legislative and regulatory issues, crop conditions, planting and harvesting progress, yield estimates and other timely issues impacting farmer profitability. See the results of the Inaugural Agri-Pulse Farm Opinion Poll, conducted in February.