Iowa farm groups are responding to the environmentalist lawsuit brought against the state calling for restoration of the Raccoon River from pollution they say was caused by farmers and ranchers. Iowa Cattlemen’s Association CEO Matt Deppe says the court action that moved the case forward is just the beginning of the battle between activists and the state. He says the State Attorney General’s office is proceeding properly.

He says Iowa’s voluntary nutrient reduction management strategy is not only science based but it’s working contrary to what the environmental groups are arguing.

Deppe says the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will be watching the court process as it moves forward.

Last week a Polk County District Court Judge threw out the State’s motion to dismiss and said the case will proceed.