The Lobe Rangers: These farmers are taking on Iowa's water problem
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The Lobe Rangers, from left, are Matthew Bormann, who farms near Algona; Zack Smith, who farms near Lake Mills; and James Hepp, who farms near Rockwell City. Photo: Brian DeVore via The Lobe Rangers
Three northern Iowa farmers are challenging their industry to take greater responsibility for the state's water-quality problems — and say that meaningful progress will require regulation.
Why it matters: This challenges major farm groups' and state leaders' longstanding preferences for voluntary conservation.
- It also adds insider pressure for a tougher approach to water pollution.
Driving the news: Matt Bormann, James Hepp and Zack Smith — who call themselves The Lobe Rangers — will bring their message to Des Moines for a Monday event hosted by Des Moines Water Works and the Iowa Environmental Council.
Catch up quick: The group grew out of a farmer Snapchat chat Bormann started in 2023; the three began publicly posting as the Lobe Rangers in March.
- The name is a play on the Des Moines Lobe, the glacial landform covering much of north-central Iowa.
What they're saying: The trio says rural Iowa needs to become part of the solution and bear much of the cost after years of insufficient adoption of conservation practices.
- They view conservation as an investment to keep valuable soil and fertilizer on their land rather than losing it to erosion.
The intrigue: Smith is an independent, while Bormann and Hepp are Republicans — a mix that counters the assumption they are "tree-hugging liberals," Smith tells Axios.
- They believe Iowa's problems stem from policies supported by both parties and that neither political tribe can solve them alone.
Zoom in: The response has been overwhelmingly positive so far, the three tell Axios, with surprisingly little pushback even as they openly discuss regulation and agricultural accountability.
- "The thing is, water impacts everyone. It doesn't care about your partisan background," Smith says, noting the state's high cancer rates.
The Lobe Rangers' profile is growing, with recent interviews on Iowa Public Radio and KCCI.
- They'll appear on Iowa PBS' "Iowa Press" on Friday.
State of play: For years, Iowa has relied largely on voluntary conservation programs, an approach critics say has failed to deliver sufficient water-quality improvements.
- Agriculture is by far the dominant source of nitrates entering the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, according to a recent analysis of a Polk County-commissioned report.
- High levels have forced the Des Moines metro's nitrate removal facility to operate at a cost of up to $16,000 per day during extended periods.
What's next: The "Farm Fields to City Taps" discussion begins at 6pm Monday at the Iowa Taproom.
- Admission is free, but space is limited and event organizers ask people to RSVP.