04/07/2026
Heavy rains brought some minor flooding to our area this past week. Thankfully, we weren’t adversely affected, but it gave us a chance to reflect on how much our soil has transformed since transitioning to organic farming practices.
Over the past 10 years, our soil organic matter—the natural component made up of decomposed plants, roots, manure, and beneficial microbes—has increased by nearly 300%. This matters more than most people realize. For every 1% increase in organic matter, the soil can hold an additional 27,000 gallons of water per acre.
What that means for us is simple: our soil is better able to absorb more rainfall without washing away or causing runoff into neighboring fields. It also holds onto that moisture longer, which is just as valuable during the dry summer months.
So why does this matter if you’re not a farmer? Because soil health is directly connected to water quality. If you’ve been following the news, you’ve likely heard concerns about water quality here in Iowa. While we don’t use traditional synthetic fertilizers or chemicals, many farms do—and most of us can agree those products don’t belong in our rivers and streams.
Healthy soil helps keep nutrients where they belong: in the field, not in the water.
That’s why it’s so important to know your farmer, ask questions, and support farming practices that align with your values. The choices we make—both on the farm and at the store impact our future.
