Dubuque Soil & Water Conservation district 

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​​Become a Soil and Water Commissioner!

Dubuque County offers a unique opportunity to serve as a Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Commissioner. Commissioners play a vital role in shaping the landscape and communities of Iowa. By establishing priorities for the protection of natural resources and water, they influence decisions that enhance the quality of life in Dubuque County. Their actions and leadership contribute directly to preserving the county’s environmental health and ensuring a sustainable future for all residents. This year, there are two commissioner positions open for election with the new term to begin January 1, 2028.
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Each district is overseen by five commissioners, elected in general elections on a non-partisan basis for four-year terms. No more than two commissioners may live in the same township. Any eligible elector residing in Dubuque County can run for the SWCD commissioner position. Two district commissioner positions are up for election this year.

Commissioners guide soil and water conservation programs within the district and can influence conservation efforts at the state and national levels. Duties include collaborating with the Dubuque County Watershed, directing technical and financial resources to address local needs, promoting conservation through demonstration, education, and outreach, reviewing and mediating soil loss complaints, and assisting with district funds and personnel management.
Commissioners are expected to attend monthly meetings, become familiar with soil and water conservation laws and programs, develop and implement conservation plans, and help oversee financial incentive programs.
Reimbursement for expenses and protection from personal liability are provided.

How to Apply:
The deadline to file candidacy for Dubuque County SWCD Commissioner is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26. Nominating petitions can be picked up at the District Office at 210 Bierman Road, Epworth; Dubuque County Auditor’s office, or online at https://elections.dubuquecountyiowa.gov/pages/election-upcoming. Each petition must include signatures from twenty-five (25) county residents. Note that the nominee may not sign their own petition.
All Soil and Water Conservation District programs are offered to the public without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, marital status, or disability.
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Contact Information:
For further information, contact the Dubuque County Soil and Water Conservation District at 210 Bierman Road, Epworth, IA, call 563-876-3418 ext. 3, or email helen.backes@ia.nacdnet.net.

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McGuire Family receives Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award

Matt and Kayla McGuire of Bernard received the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award on Friday July 31. Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Grant Menke, presented the McGuires the award. The award recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in caring for the environment, their livestock and being good neighbors in their communities.

Matt and Kayla McGuire own and operate McGuire Charolais, a cow-calf operation near Bernard in Dubuque County. Established in 2015, the operation is located on the historic Driscoll Farm, which was originally homesteaded in 1853 and is approaching 175 years of agricultural history. Matt's parents, John and Katie McGuire, remain actively involved with the farm, while Matt and Kayla's young son is already helping care for the cattle.

The McGuires raise Charolais cattle and produce grass hay while continually evaluating new ideas that strengthen both their operation and the natural resources entrusted to their care. They began planting rye cover crops in 2019, allowing cattle to graze the fields after silage harvest, and utilize rotational grazing to improve pasture health and soil quality. Matt is also exploring new approaches to soil health, including bioreactors and aerobic composting techniques that can further improve soil health and water quality.

Animal care remains at the heart of McGuire Charolais. Matt has completed Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certifications for cow-calf, stocker/backgrounder and feedlot production. His management philosophy emphasizes practical, dependable solutions and preparing for challenging winter conditions to ensure livestock are cared for regardless of the circumstances. He always looks for simple, natural solutions including using tree swallow birdhouses as supplemental fly control in pastures.

In addition to the farm, Matt and his brother Brendan operate a lumber mill that has earned a reputation for helping local landowners make the most of every tree they harvest. The brothers mill, dry and plane rough-sawn lumber, helping local landowners make use of trees that might otherwise be overlooked while providing materials for projects throughout the community. Kayla also operates a seasonal cut flower business, creating locally grown floral arrangements during the summer months.

The McGuire family's commitment to service spans generations, with multiple family members serving as educators and community leaders. Matt is a firefighter and EMT with Bernard Fire and Rescue and volunteers as an auctioneer for fundraising events benefiting local nonprofit organizations, including three Catholic churches. He is also an active member of the American International Charolais Association, the Iowa Charolais Association and the Iowa Auctioneers Association.

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award is made possible through a partnership between the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers, The Big Show on WHO Radio, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Now in its 22nd year, the award recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in caring for the environment and their livestock while also being good neighbors and community leaders. Dubuque County now has three Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award winners.

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Century and Heritage Farm Program ​
This program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. It recognizes families that have owned their farm for 100 years in the case of Century Farms and 150 years for Heritage Farms. Deadline to apply is June 1st. Click here for more information 

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Awards
IDALS, CDI, and NRCS along with many of our valuable partners are joining efforts to sponsor a number of awards this year for farmers. Click here for more information about the awards available and nomination forms. 

Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award​​​​
The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award is a joint effort of the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the exemplary voluntary efforts of Iowa's farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality. Deadline to apply is May 4th. Click here for more information

Weekly Crop Progress Report & Other IDALS News

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Meet Matt  and Kayla McGuire, winner of 

Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award

​See article below

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News and Information

SWCD Photo Album