By Catherine DeLong, Julia Baker
AMES, Iowa – Iowa landowners may apply to participate in the 2025 Landowner Education Program offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The application window is open until April 4. Program events will take place in June and July.
The program is intended for landowners who are interested in learning about soil health and conservation, and whose land is dedicated primarily to row crops. The program consists of two online workshops and five in-person events in the Ames-Ankeny area of central Iowa. There is no cost to participate, thanks to program sponsorships, but space is limited.
The Landowner Education Program brings together Iowa State experts on conservation, agronomy, economics and law, noted Catherine DeLong, water quality program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach.
“There are many steps between interest in conservation practices and implementation,” DeLong said. “This can include discussing with family members or other land beneficiaries, speaking with a lawyer to adapt or create a written lease, discussing practices with a tenant including cost-share of any expenses, equipment needs, etc. Hearing from the experts can help landowners navigate the agronomic, legal, financial and relational aspects to managing their land for soil health.”
“The Landowner Education Program also includes a survey to understand what the participating landowners would like to learn about. We take that into account as we develop the program and create a curated educational plan that uses the landowners’ time thoughtfully,” said Julia Baker, natural resource program specialist, who co-leads the program with DeLong.
The program also provides the opportunity for interactive learning and networking with fellow landowners. Carolyn Harryman was a member of the program’s 2024 cohort.
“As I worked with other members of the group, I feel there are many landowners in Iowa that may not have been directly working with the family farming operation until more recently, as is my situation,” Harryman said. “The array of topics covered was outstanding and greatly helped me improve my farming knowledge.”
The online application for the 2025 program is available from the Landowner Education Program webpage.
