Several Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) members were recognized for implementing and sharing climate positive practices by Corteva Agriscience.
Bill Couser, a grain and livestock farmer in Nevada, is one of only nine global leaders to be awarded the Corteva Agriscience 2021 Climate Positive Leaders Program recognition. Ray and Chris Gaesser, a father-son duo in Corning, were named runners-up.
The distinction is a nomination-based farmer and rancher award that showcases farmers who successfully implement and bring awareness to climate-positive agriculture practices to improve land and environmental health.
?We?ve been trying different conservation practices for years due to our livestock,? Couser said. ?In the last 10 years, the push for farmers to try these practices has increased significantly. We?re taking advantage of practices including no-till farming, cover crops, saturated buffers, bioreactors and more to retain nutrients in our fields.?
Couser, the owner of Modern Ag Farm, showcases farming practices to educate producers on the benefits and applications of sustainable agriculture. The techniques demonstrated at his farm reduce the need for synthetic inputs, which directly improves soil and water health.
?Agriculture is my livelihood, which is why I feel we must share the good things we do each and every day as farmers and ranchers to improve soil health and water quality,? Couser said.
Farmer leaders from five countries were awarded a lifetime membership to the Global Farm Network to improve engagement and communication training opportunities. Each winner was also given soil sampling, carbon sequestration measurement, and guidance from Dr. Rattan Lal at the Carbon Management and Sequestration Center (CMSAC).
Seven runners-up were also named, including the Gaessers.
?It?s all about preserving resources for the future and improving profitability,? Chris Gaesser said. ?Improving soil health will not only produce better crops; it protects the land for years to come?.
Chris?s father, Ray, is a past president of both the Iowa Soybean Association and the American Soybean Association. Together, Chris and Ray have implemented a series of practices on their farm, including the usage of buffer strips, terraces, and cover crops to improve soil health.
To learn more about the recipients of the 2021 Climate Positive Leaders Program by Corteva Agriscience, you can visit www.corteva.com/sustainability.
