IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE502 East 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319 • iowaagriculture.gov • (515) 281-5321

Contact: Jackie Graham, Public Relations Staff(724) 681-8506jackieegrahamm@iowaagriculture.gov

For Immediate Release

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, TOWN OF MARQUETTE TEAM UP TO DISCUSS FUTURE PLANS TO ENSURE GOOD CROP

MARQUETTE, Iowa. (Oct. 7, 2016) – Vince Sitzman, bureau chief, and Marquette native farmer Mark Lewis deliberate ways to resolve soil erosion and options to preserve and create nourished farmland for future crops, Friday, Oct. 10th, 2016.

Sitzman discussed possible field tests to see what nutrients the soil needs in order to guarantee a bountiful crop next season.

Farmers from the Marquette region expressed concern for excess rainfall in the upcoming seasons and are preparing now.

“I lost about 43 percent of my crop last season due to soil erosion, and I hope the past doesn’t repeat itself in the upcoming seasons,” Lewis said. Soil erosion has the crops and decreased the food stands product exponentially, according to Lewis.

-more-

The Iowa Department of Agriculture is teaming up with the town of Marquette to determine the best way to preserve its land. Public interested in joining the cause may visit iowaagriculture.gov for more information.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s provides leadership for all aspects of agriculture in Iowa, ensure consumer protection and promote the responsible use of our natural resources.

-30-