Iowa landowners may apply to participate in the 2026 Landowner Program: Balancing Profitability, Stewardship and Legacy, offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The application window is open until April 10, and program events will take place in June and July.

The program is intended for landowners interested in learning about soil health and conservation, and whose land is dedicated primarily to row crops. Participants will attend two virtual and five in-person education events in the Ames area of central Iowa. From 2024 to 2026, the program has been offered at no cost thanks to grant funding secured by ISU Extension and Outreach. After 2026, there will be a cost to attend, and the next program is planned for 2028.

The Landowner Program brings together Iowa State experts on conservation, agronomy, economics and law, noted Catherine DeLong, water quality program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach. Its goal is to address needs and barriers to implementing conservation practices.

“There are many steps in between interest and conservation practice implementation. This can include discussing with family members or other land beneficiaries, speaking with a lawyer to adapt or create a written lease, discussing practices with a tenant, including cost-share of any expenses, equipment needs, etc.,” she said. “We know landowners care about their land and value stewardship, but may need help navigating the financial, legal and relational aspects of transitioning to conservation land management.”

“The Landowner Program application seeks to understand what participating landowners are most interested in learning about and where they need help,” said Julia Baker, natural resource program specialist, who co-leads the program with DeLong. “We take that into account as we develop the program and create a curated educational plan that uses the landowners’ time thoughtfully.”

The program also offers opportunities for interactive learning and networking with fellow landowners. Jim Sayers was a member of the program’s 2024 cohort.

“After each and every session, I came home energized and excited by what I learned, the great people in my cohort group and the new conservation connections I made,” he said. “So many great resources, experts and sources of conservation info to help landowners like me! It was an outstanding program that will help me make wise(r) conservation decisions in the future.”

Brandon and Hannah Kerkhoff, beginning farmers and landowners from Carroll County and members of the 2025 graduating class, said the program will help them practice conservation methods more confidently.

“We’ve always dabbled in conservation practices, but the knowledge we have gained from this program has made us more confident using those continuously," said Hannah.

"After each meeting, there was always a piece of information we learned that was something new. It was great to get that,” added Brandon. “It’s the small things that can help us make a big difference.”

To apply for the 2026 program and for more information, visit the Landowner Program webpage or contact DeLong at crdelong@iastate.edu or Baker at jaclymer@iastate.edu.