The recent ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court in favor of 10 Iowa drainage districts and against the Des Moines Water Works is positive for agriculture. According to Aaron Putze with the Iowa Soybean Association the decision clears the way for more proactive work on improving the state’s water quality, rather than a drawn out legal battle.

He says one example of how Iowa’s farmers have addressed water quality concerns is by planting cover crops.

Putze says there are many other cropping practices farmers are using with the goal of improving the state’s water quality.

Putze hopes the Supreme Court decision sends the message that instead of engaging in litigation, it’s important for landowners, farmers and city officials to work together on water quality.