By Andi Anderson
A newly funded Agricultural Climate Resiliency project titled “Ensuring the Success of Michigan Farms in the Face of Climate Change” is seeking row-crop farmers across Michigan to participate.
This initiative, supported by Michigan State University, Michigan State University Extension, the Michigan Plant Coalition, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, aims to understand how climate change and extreme weather events impact crop yields, soil health, and the economic well-being of farmers.
It also seeks to identify opportunities for Michigan farms to contribute to climate change solutions.
Options for Farmer Participation:
Soil Health Assessment Participants:
Any farmer can participate.
Two fields of your choice will be sampled by researchers in fall 2024.
Participation limit: 80 farmers.
Conventional Farmers Implementing Regenerative Practices:
Interested in practices like cover cropping or buffer strips.
Receive guidance through the process over three years.
Participation limit: 5 farmers.
Farmers Currently Using Regenerative Practices:
Partner with researchers for three years.
Participation limit: 20 farmers.
Farmer Partners (Options 2 and 3):
Contribute to the study’s experimental design by selecting fields.
Engage in annual project meetings.
Allow soil and greenhouse gas sampling on two fields annually.
Receive a comprehensive soil test each year for three years.
Communicate with MSU Extension educators about field operations.
Share yield history data and cost of production information.
Complete management surveys and participate in an annual one-hour interview for three years.
Estimated annual time obligation: 5 hours.
Farmer Compensation:
Free comprehensive soil health test report for all participants.
Annual $200 honorarium for each field enrolled (Options 2 and 3).
Carbon intensity report for two selected fields (Options 2 and 3).
Networking opportunities with other farmers, commodity groups, and researchers.
Soil Health Test Report Indicators:
Routine nutrient test report, pH, texture, soil respiration, permanganate oxidizable carbon, autoclaved-citrate extractable protein, and enzymatic activity.
Enrollment Deadline:
September 15, 2024
This project offers a valuable opportunity for Michigan farmers to enhance their farm’s resilience to climate change while contributing to important research. Join us in this crucial effort to support sustainable farming practices in Michigan.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education