Nutrient management planning in Iowa can be a complex process. The degree of planning is dependent on the need for one or more different types of management plans to serve the different requirements of state agencies. While the objectives of the plans are the same, sound nutrient management and resource protection, the methods of planning are quite different. Producers, their technical advisors, and agency staff are often confused as to what regulations must be met and what practices must be employed to meet the various goals of required and voluntary plans. The goal of this workshop is to present two types of nutrient plans used in Iowa and document differences and similarities in the nutrient management plans.