Des Moines County Soil & Water Conservation District

08/22/2026

Join us for our Fall Field Day!

Field day topics include:
- Research Farm and Growing Season Updates
- Long-term productivity and nitrate-nitrogen loss from corn and
prairie bio-energy cropping systems
- Miscanthus Production in Iowa: Agronomy, Emerging Markets, & Science at ISU
- Forage Opportunities with Cover Crops

Open to the public at no cost, and no pre-registration. This field day is supported by ISU Extension and Outreach,
ISU Research Farms, and the Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association. Certified Crop Advisers can earn 1.5 Crop Management and 0.5 Soil and Water Management CEUs.

08/19/2026

First place winners in the annual poster contest sponsored by the Des Moines SWCD were:

Division 1 - Isabella Linares, Notre Dame Elementary
Division 2 - Millie George, Notre Dame Elementary
Division 3 - Felyx Etka, Notre Dame Elementary
Division 4 - Ava Davis, Mediapolis School

The theme this year was "Soil Where it All Begins".

08/14/2026

The phone lines aren't working at the office. Please use these numbers: NRCS - 319-237-3978 FSA - 319-237-3979

Send a message to learn more

07/30/2026

Heading to the Des Moines County Fair? Check out the SWCD/Big Hollow booth and say hi to Tom! Fun freebies too!

07/29/2026

The NRCS/SWCD office is hiring a State Technician 1. Click the link for details. Position closes 8/9.

Thank you for your interest in job opportunities with the State of Iowa. You can now apply online by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link. If there is no "Apply" link, please see the job description for instructions on how to apply. 

07/13/2026

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced four additional urban water quality projects in Cedar Falls, Des Moines, Riverside and West Burlington. This announcement builds on two previous rounds of urban water quality projects announced in May and June. IDALS has invested more than $2.63 million through the 12 urban projects funded in 2026, leveraging more than $5.05 million in partner contributions for a total investment exceeding $7.68 million in urban conservation projects. These practices help capture and treat runoff, reduce flooding risks, improve infiltration, and protect downstream waterways while also enhancing wildlife habitat, expanding recreational opportunities, and improving quality of life in communities across Iowa.

07/09/2026

Congratulations Stan and Martha!

Today, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to the Stan and Martha Nelson Family of Des Moines County at their family farm near Danville. The longtime farmers were recognized for stewardship on the farm and service in their community. Congratulations to the Nelsons!

07/02/2026

Stan and Martha Nelson, Danville, will be honored with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award on Thursday, July 9. The presentation by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will take place during a short program at noon.

05/28/2026

Time to sign up for fall cover crops. Stop in and see Jamie when you do crop reports or give her a call at 319-237-3971.

05/12/2026

Des Moines County SWCD is hiring a state technician. Click on the link for details.

The approximately 345 employees of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship   (IDALS) are responsible for a wide range of programs that affect the quality of life of every Iowan.  Both Iowans living on the farm and those in our towns and cities are impacted almost daily by the work...