There was news on multiple fronts this week in the increasingly hot debate over how to clean Iowa’s waterways.

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation came out with policy statements that encourage farmers to use cover crops. The Farm Bureau also repeated its long-standing support of voluntary conservation methods, rather than regulation of fertilizer application.

The Farm Bureau’s policy work came during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s national meeting in San Diego.

The statements were sure to grab added attention after the Des Moines Water Works board last week voted to sue three northwest Iowa counties that own drainage districts. Water Works contends those drainage districts are point sources of nitrate, a health-threatening pollutant from farm runoff that forces the utility and its customers to pay extra for water treatment.

In related news, Cedar Rapids is partnering with agriculture groups in a $4.2 million effort to clean up the Middle Cedar River.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is providing $2 million for the project. A dozen partners, including Cedar Rapids, the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the Iowa Pork Producers Association and the Iowa Soybean Association, will provide a combined $2.2 million.

The project will advance implementation of nutrient reduction and flood protection practices in targeted areas of the Middle Cedar, which is part of the larger Cedar River watershed. Read more

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Gov. Branstad says Water Works declared war on rural Iowa

Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey plans to visit counties facing lawsuit