STAR AFFILIATES: Iowa STAR

Iowa STAR was established to assist farm operators and landowners in evaluating their nutrient and soil management practices on individual fields. Led by the Conservation Districts of Iowa (CDI) and other key agricultural partners, including farmers and representatives from Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa DNR, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa State University, Iowa Nutrient Research Center, The Nature Conservancy, Heartland Coop, and Practical Farmers of Iowa, the ultimate objective of Iowa STAR is to meet the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS). Iowa STAR launched newly developed, state specific field forms and Conservation Innovation Plan (CIP) features in August 2025. Several IA SWCDs, including Polk and Dubuque Counties, are actively promoting STAR to their farmers. Any questions about IA STAR can be directed to Regan Davis, Program Assistant, through the button below.

IA STAR Steering Committee members include:

• Matthew Bormann, Farmer | Bormann Ag, LTD
• Kate Bussanmas, Deputy Director for the Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
• Dennis Carney, Retired Farmer, Former President | Conservation Districts of Iowa
• Regan Davis, Program Assistant | Conservation Districts of Iowa
• Paige Frautschy, Iowa Agriculture Program Director | The Nature Conservancy
• Matt Helmers, Director for the Iowa Nutrient Research Center | Iowa State University
• Michael James, Watershed Coordinator | Polk Soil & Water Conservation District
• Dien Judge, Executive Director | Conservation Districts of Iowa
• Mark Licht, Associate Professor & Extension Cropping Systems Specialist | Iowa State University
• Chandra Shaw, Resource Conservationist | NRCS
• John Whitaker, Farmer, Former State Executive Director | USDA Farm Service Agency
• Steve Konrady, Nonpoint Source Coordinator | Iowa DNR

IA STAR Science Committee members include:

• Catherine DeLong, Water Quality Program Manager | Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
• Stefan Gailans, Senior Research Manager | Practical Farmers of Iowa
• Mark Licht, Associate Professor & Extension Cropping Systems Specialist | Iowa State University
• Ruth McCabe, Conservation Manager | Heartland Co-op
• Dr. Kay Stefanik, Assistant Director | Iowa Nutrient Research Center

Executive Director, Conservation Districts of Iowa

Program Assistant, Conservation Districts of Iowa