Christina Muedeking and Mark Kennett walk his Poweshiek County, Iowa, fields (NRCS photo -- click to enlarge)

Christina Muedeking Walks a Mile in Iowa

NRCS Regional Assistant Chief ― Central Christina Muedeking recently shadowed Poweshiek County farmer Mark Kennett as part of a work exchange program between producers and government officials.  Called Walk a Mile in My Boots, the program is designed to provide opportunities for producers and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service employees to learn more about each other’s lifestyles, issues, and operations.

Muedeking oversees NRCS programs and personnel in 15 states from Texas to Minnesota and Kennett farms soybeans and corn near Malcom and is chairman of the Poweshiek Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).

During their day together, Muedeking and Kennett inspected a water quality project that is administered by the Poweshiek SWCD, toured the Kennett farm, took a close look at fields using no-till and less tillage corn-on-corn, and discussed many conservation practices.

Originally developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef association and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Walk a Mile in My Boots program has been adopted by NRCS.  Muedeking is one of the highest ranking NRCS officials to participate in the new program and Kennett was the first Iowan.

“Today we had a great day,” Muedeking said of her visit. “We visited an urban water project where we saw what was being done to help not only agricultural lands, but the urban folks address some of their (own) water quality issues regarding sediment and runoff.  We also spent time looking at how to put new conservation practices into place as you are facing changes in a crop rotation system in response to market pressures.  I learned these producers are quickly adapting to no-till and minimum-till and they are very innovative in responding to what’s going on around them in the marketplace.”

Mark Kennett was also very pleased with the exchange. For him a high point was at a noon luncheon where Muedeking met and talked with local farmers and implement, seed, and fertilizer dealers.  He said, “We were able to have a wide conversation from several perspectives and we got a lot out of that.”

Growing up on a Minnesota farm, Muedeking was very happy being able to spend a day in the corn fields of Iowa.  She is also looking forward to Kennett spending the day with her in Washington, DC.

“I hope other producers will decide to participate in this program,” Muedeking said.  “It’s great opportunity for both sides.”
Your contact is Dick Tremain, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 515-232-2736.