By Andi Anderson
A newly released report from Michigan State University Extension offers an in-depth look at the questions, concerns and knowledge gaps that agricultural professionals across Michigan face when working with farmers on conservation practices.
The findings are based on surveys and focus groups held in 2023 with advisers, educators and conservation specialists from across the state.
The purpose of the report is to help align research, outreach and technical support with the real challenges farmers experience when trying to adopt practices such as no-till, cover crops and diversified crop rotations.
Interest in conservation continues to grow among Michigan farmers who want to protect soil, water and long-term productivity. However, adoption rates remain low due to agronomic risks, economic uncertainty, limited region-specific examples and social barriers.
Key barriers identified by participants include fears about yield loss, pest issues and profitability; concerns about how practices hold up under extreme weather; and limited economic and field-specific data. Time constraints and social hesitation also play a major role in slowing adoption.
The report highlights five priority research and outreach areas requested by Michigan agricultural professionals. These include more data on integrated conservation systems, better guidance on cover crop selection and timing, clearer comparisons of long-term outcomes from various tillage approaches and tools that help farmers manage the learning curve and time investment needed for new practices.
Soil health was another major focus, with advisers seeking clearer indicators that can guide management decisions and improve both environmental and economic outcomes.
While findings focused mainly on annual row-crop systems, the report also stresses the need for conservation strategies in perennial and specialty crops. Some growers rely heavily on integrated pest management and may be unaware of practices that could further benefit soil health and resource conservation.
The report will help guide future research at Michigan State University’s Long-Term Ecological Research and Long-Term Agroecosystem Research sites. Many identified needs require long-term, location-specific data and collaboration across organizations. This work was made possible through support from the APEAL grant, MSU Extension and the Kellogg Biological Station LTER program.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu-extension
Categories: Michigan, General