Mark your calendar for the first-ever Jefferson County “Ag Lunch and Learn” on Jan. 20. The meeting will focus on Iowa’s water quality and how it impacts you, pertaining to both farmers and non-farmers in the area. The event will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center in the Executive Conference Room.

The lunch and learn will provide lunch to attendees while giving an overview of Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy, a current progress update with the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, discussion on practices being implemented to improve water quality, and a time for questions.

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is a science and technology-based approach to assess and reduce nutrients to Iowa waters and the Gulf of Mexico. The focus is to direct efforts to reduce nutrients in surface waters from both point sources, such as wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities, and nonpoint sources, such as farm fields and urban areas, in a scientific, reasonable and cost effective manner.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone who has questions about water quality issues in Iowa and the efforts that are being carried out to improve water quality in this area,” said Rebecca Vittetoe, field agronomist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Speakers at the lunch and learn will include: ISU Extension and Outreach specialists Greg Brenneman, extension ag engineering specialist, Tom Miller, extension swine specialist and Rebecca Vittetoe, extension field agronomist, along with Rick Robinson, environmental policy advisor with Iowa Farm Bureau.

The lunch and learn is free and open to the public. Space is limited, so please RSVP to the Jefferson County Extension office by calling 641-472-4166. The Fairfield Arts and Convention Center is located at 200 N Main St., Fairfield.

The Jefferson County “Ag Lunch and Learn” is sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Jefferson County Farm Bureau, who will be providing the lunch, and the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, please contact Rebecca Vittetoe at 319-653-4811, the Jefferson County Extension Office at 641-472-4166, or John Sandbothe with the Jefferson County Farm Bureau at 319-759-3613.