Three Guys Fomenting a Revolution

The Lobe Rangers: Iowa Farmers Challenging the Status QuoJulie Gammack’s podcast featured the Lobe Rangers, a trio of Iowa farmers—Zach Smith, Matt Bormann, and James Hepp—who are advocating for practical changes in agriculture that they believe can improve Iowa’s water quality, soil health, and rural communities while also helping farmers remain profitable.The discussion opened with journalist, farmer and Iowa Writers’ Collaborative member Darcy Maulsby, who described the Lobe Rangers as one of the most hopeful developments she has seen in Iowa agriculture in 30 years. She said their message offers practical solutions to problems such as polluted water and soil erosion while also making economic sense for farmers.It was Darcy who introduced our Collaborative members to the Lobe Rangers when we gathered in Storm Lake earlier this spring. Who Are the Lobe Rangers?All three members are working farmers who have adopted conservation-minded practices, including cover crops, strip tillage, no-till farming, reduced fertilizer applications, and improved nutrient management. They emphasize that these methods are not simply environmental measures. Many of them were adopted because they reduce costs, improve soil productivity, and make farms more resilient and profitable.Their Core MessageThe Lobe Rangers argue that Iowa already has a scientifically developed roadmap for improving water quality: the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, adopted in 2013. They believe the problem is not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of implementation.According to the group, politicians frequently talk about water quality, conservation, and nutrient reduction, but actual progress on the ground remains limited. Their mission is to compare political promises with what scientists say is actually necessary to improve Iowa’s waterways.Why They Remain NonpartisanAlthough two members are Republicans and one is an Independent, they intentionally avoid aligning with political parties.They argue that cancer rates are not partisan, polluted water affects everyone, and clean lakes and rivers matter regardless of political affiliation. Rather than endorsing candidates, they want voters to understand the science and ask harder questions of elected officials.The Truth, According to the RangersWhen I asked, “What is the truth?” each member offered a variation of the same answer.They believe Iowa is not achieving meaningful water-quality improvements. The science already exists to address the problem, but the pace of change is far too slow. Farmers, policymakers, and citizens need to be honest about what it will take to improve conditions.Matt Bormann said he became frustrated while serving on Iowa’s State Soil and Water Conservation Committee because conservation success stories were often highlighted while broader statewide progress remained limited.Voluntary Conservation vs. RegulationOne of the most significant conversations centered on whether voluntary conservation efforts are enough.The Rangers argued that after more than a decade of voluntary programs, adoption rates remain too low. While they recognize that regulation is unpopular among farmers, they believe some policy changes and incentives will eventually be necessary if Iowa hopes to achieve its nutrient reduction goals. At the same time, they emphasized that any policy should help farmers transition rather than punish them.Results on Their Own FarmsAll three farmers reported measurable benefits from conservation practices. They described lower fuel and equipment costs, reduced fertilizer use, better water infiltration during heavy rains, increased organic matter in the soil, and strong crop yields.James Gillmore described cutting tractor horsepower needs in half after switching systems and significantly reducing fertilizer expenses. Zach Smith noted that regenerative-style practices have produced exceptionally high corn yields on some acres while improving soil health.The Role of the Farm BillThe conversation also explored federal farm policy.The Rangers argued that current crop insurance programs heavily favor corn and soybeans, making it difficult for farmers to diversify into other crops such as small grains, forage crops, and alternative rotations.They believe future farm policy should support more diverse cropping systems, expand insurance options for alternative crops, and encourage farming systems that improve soil and water quality.What’s Standing in the Way?The group identified fear of change, fear of failure, economic pressure, existing agricultural systems and incentives, and political influence from large corporations and industry groups as major obstacles.They argue that many farmers understand the problems but are reluctant to be the first to change.Art Cullen’s PerspectiveArt Cullen was on the call, and said the Lobe Rangers are part of a larger shift in Iowa’s conversation about agriculture, and they know what “they are talking about.” “Farmers are going to grow what they are paid to grow, and so they are going to grow corn and soybeans until it’s coming out your ears. If you want them to grow grass, pay them to grow grass.”Final TakeawayThe Lobe Rangers are not advocating for the end of modern agriculture. Instead, they argue that Iowa can continue to be one of the world’s most productive farming regions while dramatically improving water quality, rebuilding soil health, and strengthening rural communities.Their message is straightforward: the science already exists, the practices work, and the challenge is finding the political and public will to implement them at scale.Our lives depend on it.Resources SharedJim Sayers shared several resources related to the Lobe Rangers:* The Lobe Rangers: The Lobe Rangers* The Lobe Rangers Facebook page* Land Stewardship Project podcast featuring the Lobe Rangers: Ear to the Ground #395: The Lobe RangersHere’s the mid-week Flipside Roundup of columns by Iowa Writers’ Collaborative MembersDon’t Miss Early Bird Pricing for the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ RetreatDeb Engle and I did a short interview about OWSR on WHO TV’s Hello Iowa program. Hello Iowa - an interview with Debra Engle and Julie Gammack This is a public episode. 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