The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place May 27, at noon CDT will feature Dana Kolpin, research hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Central Midwest Water Science Center. Kolpin’s research focuses on the environmental fate and effects of pesticides, PFAS, and other contaminants of global concern that result from the growing, raising, processing and manufacturing of plant and animal products.

In the webinar, “PFAS and Agriculture: Research by the Food Resources Lifecycle Integrated Science Team,” Kolpin will discuss the mounting evidence documenting the prevalence of PFAS (i.e., “forever chemicals”) in the environment and their corresponding ecologic and human health effects. He will discuss research regarding three potential agricultural pathways for PFAS; (1) food/feedstock processing wastewater, (2) application of biosolids to farmland, and (3) pesticides. Kolpin will also share his insights into the different aspects of PFAS in urban and agricultural settings.

“While early efforts focused on the urban aspects of PFAS, ongoing research has documented that PFAS contamination in agriculture is a significant concern with the potential to affect food safety and environmental health,” said Kolpin. “The agricultural sector faces a complex challenge with PFAS, and it important for farmers and stakeholders to remain current on this topic in order to make the necessary informed decisions regarding these forever chemicals.”

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

Up Next: Wednesday, June 3, 2026, “FEWscapes Scenarios: Aspirational Pathways for Food, Energy, Water, and Ecosystem Security in the Upper Mississippi River Basin to the Year 2050,” with Eric Booth and Kelsie Ferin, University of Wisconsin-Madison

About Iowa Learning Farms

Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (United States Environmental Protection Agency, Section 319 of the Clean Water Act), Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the Iowa Nutrient Research Center and GROWMARK, Inc.