Farming for Water Quality and Community Health

Join us July 8, 5 - 8 PM at Field Day Brewery for a panel presentation, book signing & more. Apps and drinks are included in ticket price.
About this Event

Farming for Water Quality and Community Health Event

Access to clean drinking water remains a pressing public health challenge in the United States, particularly in the Midwest where agricultural pollution continues to degrade water quality. According to an EPA study in 2025, the top non-point sources of pollution leading to impairment of water bodies in the US are sediment, nutrients, and chemicals coming from agriculture. You can read more about agricultural solutions for clean water in our recently published paper "Rethinking Agricultural Solutions for Clean Water."

Please join us July 8 for a conversation and fundraising event for the Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center, bringing together farmers, advocates, and community members to explore how regenerative and sustainable farming practices can protect water quality and support healthier communities. The event will feature light refreshments, a panel presentation, and book signing by Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Tkach.

The evening will kick off with a welcome from Sean Stokes of the Midwest Organic Center, followed by a thought-provoking expert panel featuring Audrey Tran Lam (University of Northern Iowa), Rob Faux (Genuine Faux Farms & Pesticide Action Network), and Tommy Hexter (Iowa Food Systems Coalition). Author Jeff Tkach will then deliver a keynote presentation, offering insights from his work and experience in regenerative agriculture.

Schedule:

5-5:30 - Doors Open

5:30-5:45 - Introduction

5:45-6:45 - Panel Presentation

6:45-7:30 - Keynote Adress, Jeff Tkach, CEO, Rodale Institute

7:30-close – Raffle drawing, Networking, and Connection

Expert Panel:

• Audrey Tran Lam - Environmental Health Program Director, University of Northern Iowa
• Rob Faux - Owner/operator, Genuine Faux Farms & Communications Manager, Pesticide Action Network
• Tommy Hexter - Director, Iowa Food Systems Coalition

We look forward to seeing you there!