Dubuque County Watersheds Newsletter | May 2026

 

From farmer spotlights to conservation opportunities, this month’s updates highlight the work happening across Dubuque County to improve soil health and water quality. Meet local farmer Rob Zauche, read about the current state of conservation in Northeast Iowa, explore new incentive programs, attend an upcoming farmer field day, and learn how Dubuque County Watersheds continues expanding education and outreach throughout the region.

 
 

Farmer Spotlight: 
Robert Zauche

Meet Dubuque County farmer Rob Zauche! Rob integrates cattle, small grains, and diverse cover crop mixes into his operation, believing livestock play a key role in improving soil health and making cover crops more valuable.

 
 

State of Conservation Northeast Iowa

Explore the current state of conservation in Northeast Iowa. Conservation Agronomist, Scott Hendricks, shares an overview - from ongoing dust storms and missing waterways to the growing adoption of cover crops, no-till, and farmer-led conservation efforts across Dubuque County.

 
 

Water Quality Dashboard

Discover Dubuque County Watersheds’ new water quality dashboard, a tool that allows the public to view water testing data, watershed trends, and site-specific results collected throughout the county.

 
 

Educational Visits

Learn how Dubuque County Watersheds continues expanding conservation education through school visits, hands-on watershed activities, and public outreach events that connect students and community members to local water quality efforts.

 
 
 

Farmer Field Day

Join us for a Field Day on June 16. We're planning hands-on soil health demonstrations, Haney test discussions, expert presentations, and networking opportunities focused on practical conservation management.

 
 

NEW PROGAM:
Conservation Tillage Incentive Program

Reduce tillage, improve soil health, and receive annual per-acre payments through Dubuque County’s Conservation Tillage Incentive Program designed to support producers adopting conservation-minded farming practices.

 
 
 

NEW PROGAM:
Conservation Crop Rotation Program

Diversify your crop rotation by adding small grains like oats or winter wheat. This program helps Dubuque County producers improve soil health, reduce erosion, and explore new opportunities through more diverse cropping systems.

 
 

NEW PROGAM:
Streambank Stabilization Program Program

Protect your farmland and local waterways through the Streambank Stabilization Program, which helps landowners address erosion issues and improve long-term streambank stability across Dubuque County.

 
 
 
 

Dubuque County Watersheds

Phone: (563) 213-8388

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