T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, Iowa LICA State President Scott Bohle and LICA Board Chairman Paul Keppler cheer for the ribbon cutting at the grand opening of the Iowa Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA) Conservation & Demonstration Farm near Melbourne, which was held on Thursday morning.

MELBOURNE — What began in July 2025 came to fruition on Thursday — the opening of the Iowa Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA) Conservation & Demonstration Farm just east of Melbourne in rural Marshall County — a place for members to gather, collaborate and continue the work of the association.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig was the special guest speaker at the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the facility, which provides a modern and climate-controlled space for meetings, events and classes. He described the building as a “crown jewel.”

“What a beautiful facility,” Naig said. “. . . I’ve been out here many, many times and I love what this represents — keeping an eye on the future and how to scale up, how to bring more people into the conversation and educate folks. I think this facility, this meeting room provides a comfortable space to do that and get other people here potentially to learn about the vision of LICA.”

The association plays a unique role in bringing people together in adopting methods of conservation. Naig said people can talk and design things, but there is a difference between concepts and getting things on the ground.

“[LICA] is the critical link in that equation,” he said.

Naig said Iowans can take pride in conservation efforts in the state, but people need to think about how to do more and extend and accelerate. Contractors are an important part of that, and he added that they should be doing more, buying more equipment, growing and hiring more employees.

“That’s demand out there for the types of things that we need to be doing,” Naig said. “Contractors understand the opportunities that exist and are trusted advisors to farmers. They are having the conversations and know the farms. They are a critical and important source of information in someone’s ear.”

None of the conservation efforts are easy, but the secretary said it should be easy for farmers to express interest and get more information. Naig spoke briefly about some of the ongoing conservation highlights, such as the state investing more than $100 million in water quality and soil conservation work.

“We have a significant effort in the state of Iowa in moving in the right direction,” he said. “. . . We have 150 nitrate-reducing wetlands that have been constructed, and we have constructed three times as many in the last four years than the 20 years prior. That means acceleration. We have dozens under development today and we’re looking for new sites all the time.”

Naig ended his speech by congratulating LICA on the opening of the building.

Also speaking was Iowa Sen. Kara Warme (R-Ames), who said she was happy the facility opened in her district.

“We’re thinking about the legacy of our country as we’re approaching 250 years,” she said. “We’re also thinking about the legacy of Iowa and generational farmers who have always thought about protecting the natural resources that we have, and the power of conservation of those resources.”

Warme said the location gives members a chance to experiment with new practices and share what they have learned. Iowa LICA State President Scott Bohle opened the ceremony and said the realization of the facility was the culmination of years of planning.

“We needed a place for education, leadership and innovation and fellowship that can thrive for generations to come,” he said.

The farm was purchased in 2000 by LICA members who had a vision for an educational center.

“This new conference building represents that same spirit,” Bohle said. “It is a place where future leaders will be trained, where ideas will be shared, friendships will be formed and where our industry will continue to move forward.”

The opening would not have been possible without tremendous support from members, investors and more, he added.

“Your investment in this building is truly an investment in the future of our industry,” Bohle said. “We are not only opening the doors of the facility, but to new opportunities – opportunities to educate the next generation, strengthen our membership, promote conservation and continue serving Iowa with excellence. . . . I’m honored to be part of this historic moment and excited for what lies ahead. May the building serve our members well for many years to come and stand for a symbol of commitment, professionalism and vision that makes Iowa LICA such a special organization.”

FACILITY INFO

Name: Iowa Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA) Conservation & Demonstration Farm

Address: 1741 290th St., Melbourne

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.