Chris Jones Calls for a New Future for Iowa Agriculture
Evanger Wiley, Reporter
October 22, 2026
Chris Jones, a candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, expressed his vision for transforming Iowa’s agricultural system during a campaign fundraiser. He emphasized the urgent need to address nutrient pollution in waterways, a problem that has seen little progress over the years.
According to the Iowa Environmental Council, 54% of Iowa’s waterways are impaired, failing to meet the standards set by the Clean Water Act. Jones attributed this to the current system's ineffectiveness in managing nutrient runoff, particularly from corn and soy fields.
"We cannot achieve the quality of life we want with just corn and soy," Jones stated. "We need to embrace diversification and recognize that these crops are a 'leaky system' when it comes to nutrient pollution."
He proposed crop diversification as a key strategy to mitigate the issue, suggesting it would benefit farmers by creating new markets for small grains and reducing environmental impacts. Linda Murken, Story County Board of Supervisors Chair, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the financial strain on local governments due to water quality concerns and the lack of authority to effectively manage watersheds.
Jones' plan aims to revolutionize Iowa agriculture, fostering a more sustainable and resilient system. He aims to empower farmers with new markets and address the pressing environmental challenges facing the state.