A report from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach examines awareness and attitudes among Iowa farmers regarding the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, a statewide initiative launched in 2013 to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into Iowa’s waterways and contributions to Gulf hypoxia.

In the Gulf near the mouth of the Mississippi River, conditions are considered hypoxic when oxygen levels are lower than 2 milligrams per liter. Gulf hypoxia is driven by excessive levels of nutrients transported by the Mississippi River.

According to the report, nearly 90% of farmers reported some knowledge of the INRS in 2024, up from 80% in 2014. While 70% of farmers remained concerned about agriculture’s impact on Iowa’s water quality, this marked a slight decline from 76% in 2014. Seventy-four percent of respondents agreed farmers should do more to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff, down from 84% in 2014. Sixty-three percent would like to improve conservation practices on their land, and 52% believe agricultural retailers should do more to help address nutrient losses.

Conducted annually since 1982, the Iowa Farm Poll gathers insights from farmers statewide to inform research, extension programs and policy decisions.