Iowa has unveiled a new chemical tool to combat the illegal production of methamphetamine nationwide, and Two Rivers Cooperative has played an important role in developing this powerful weapon in the war on meth. “We worked with the State of Iowa on some of the product testing during the past three years,” says Tracy Gathman, general manager of Two Rivers Cooperative in Pella. “We’re proud to help Iowa remain a leader in pioneering meth-fighting strategies.”

Iowa State University (ISU) researchers have found that calcium nitrate works as an effective meth inhibitor when added in prescribed amounts to anhydrous ammonia. The ISU research, which was confirmed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s forensics lab, reveals that meth cooks who use untreated anhydrous ammonia typically get a 42% yield of pseudoephedrine for conversion to meth. That yield drops to 2% or less, however, when the calcium nitrate inhibitor is added. Use of the new meth inhibitor will be on a voluntary basis in Iowa. Two Rivers began treating its anhydrous tanks with calcium nitrate one day after the Oct. 9 press conference in Des Moines announcing the new “chemical lock.” Two Rivers is also using the Agribusiness Association of Iowa’s STOP METH signage for the co-op’s nurse tanks. Meth inhibitor remains effective and safe The meth inhibitor has already proven effective in field tests at three Iowa sites. In each case, meth makers abandoned the treated anhydrous ammonia. “Putting calcium nitrate into the anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks will render them useless in making meth,” says Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge. “This compound will be a meth cook’s worst nightmare, but for the rest of us, it’s a safe product and has no negative impact on our environment or farm equipment.”