A new report from the EPA’s Hypoxia Task Force shows that the hard work of farmers and ranchers to reduce nutrient losses in the Mississippi River watershed is paying off.
The report reveals the 12 participating states have met interim nitrogen reduction goals two years ahead of schedule and are also making considerable progress in bringing down phosphorous losses. The goals are part of a comprehensive strategy established by state and federal agencies across the Mississippi River watershed region. Farmers and ranchers were tasked with helping to reduce nutrient losses by 20 percent by 2025.
“Farmers are problem-solvers by nature, and the work being done in the Mississippi River is proof of what happens when we come together,” says Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “I commend the farmers in each of the states for their instrumental role in making these strides and encourage continued work to meet the 2035 goals.”
