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In addition to the many organizations working issues related to nutrient management and hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico, there are a number of innovative farmers and ranchers who have adopted sustainable practices with an array of natural services and economic benefits including a direct benefit to water quality and watershed health and a reduction in nutrient loss from agricultural land.
The following case studies highlight some of these individuals and put face on what’s possible on the landscape that benefits farmers, the Mississippi River and the Gulf.
David and Diane Petty, Iowa River Ranch, Hardin County, Iowa
David and Diane Petty own and operate the Iowa River Ranch, a cattle and crop operation running along eight miles of the Iowa River from Eldora to Union. Their commercial Angus herd is rotationally grazed on 22 connecting pastures, each with its own water source away from streams and waterways. Their farm also is home to hundreds of whitetail deer, wild turkey and waterfowl.
David Petty began farming in 1974 with the purchase of 10 cattle and a leased pasture. He has worked with neighbors to rent, and then make improvements on, marginal cropland and overgrazed pastures. With help from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Petty built more than 13 miles of terraces, four ponds and 12 miles of drainage, reshaped more than 11 miles of waterways, and seeded three miles of buffers to control soil erosion, improve water quality and establish wildlife habitat.
“David has shown leadership in making multiple uses of conservation practices,” said Brian Peterson, NRCS grassland conservationist for Iowa. “Grass waterways and headlands are typically mowed and baled for hay once during the growing season. Then they are grazed as stockpile forage during the winter when his cow herd utilizes crop residues. His farm is a living example of a sustainable farm and he has gone the ‘extra mile’ to share his ideas and success with others.”
In 2001, the Petty family received the National Environmental Stewardship Award from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. A past president of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Petty also has served on the NRCS State Technical Committee to educate others about land stewardship. He has also worked with state and federal officials and Iowa’s Congressional leaders to improve the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP).
Added on Dec. 5, 2006
