By Andi Anderson
Agricultural producers across the Midwest have an opportunity to help influence the future of farm conservation programs by participating in the Midwest Farm Conservation Survey. The initiative is being conducted through a collaboration between Pollinator Partnership and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The survey is designed to gather valuable feedback from farmers and agricultural producers in seven Midwestern states, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Organizers hope to gain a better understanding of producer preferences regarding conservation programs and habitat development on agricultural lands.
One key area of focus is the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which encourages landowners to implement conservation practices that improve natural resources, wildlife habitat, and environmental quality. However, survey organizers are seeking input from all agricultural producers, regardless of whether they currently participate in USDA conservation programs or have participated in the past.
The survey provides an opportunity for producers to share their experiences, opinions, and priorities regarding conservation efforts. By collecting information directly from those working in agriculture, researchers and program leaders can better understand the factors that influence conservation decisions on farms.
According to Pollinator Partnership, the results will help provide recommendations to the USDA on how conservation programs can better support agricultural producers while encouraging the creation of pollinator-friendly habitats. These habitats play an important role in supporting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that contribute to healthy agricultural ecosystems.
The survey is voluntary and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Responses remain anonymous, allowing participants to provide honest feedback about conservation programs and agricultural practices. The information collected will be used to help guide future program improvements and identify ways to make conservation opportunities more beneficial and accessible for producers.
Input from farmers is considered essential because it provides real-world perspectives on conservation needs, challenges, and opportunities. Feedback gathered through the survey will help strengthen efforts to balance agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship across the Midwest.
Pollinator Partnership encourages all eligible producers to participate and contribute their knowledge. The organization believes that direct producer involvement is critical to developing effective conservation strategies that benefit both agriculture and pollinator populations.
Questions regarding the survey can be directed to Jordan Phelps, Pollinator Partnership Representative, at jordan@pollinator.org or Vicki Wojcik, Pollinator Partnership Representative, at vw@pollinator.org.
By sharing their experiences and perspectives, Midwest producers can play an important role in shaping future conservation programs, supporting pollinator health, and strengthening sustainable agriculture throughout the region.
Photo Credit: istock-kerem-hanci
Categories: Michigan, Sustainable Agriculture