Study seeks Michigan crop farmers

By Andi Anderson

A new Agricultural Climate Resiliency project, titled “Ensuring the Success of Michigan Farms in the Face of Climate Change,” is seeking to partner with row-crop farmers across Michigan.

This initiative, funded by Michigan State University, Michigan State University Extension, the Michigan Plant Coalition, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, aims to study the effects of climate change and extreme weather on crop yields, soil health, and farm economics while exploring ways for farms to contribute to climate change solutions.

Options for Farmer Participation:

Soil Health Assessment: Any farmer can participate in a soil health assessment. Researchers will sample two fields of the farmer’s choice in fall 2024, with a limit of 80 participants.

Regenerative Practices: Conventional farmers interested in implementing regenerative practices like cover cropping or buffer strips can receive guidance throughout the three-year study period. This option is limited to five participants and does not require a complete farming style change, only new methods on select fields.

Established Regenerative Practices: Farmers already using regenerative practices can partner with researchers for three years, with a limit of 20 participants.

Benefits and Participation Details:

Consultation and Guidance: Participants in options B and C will receive consultation from farm collaborators and researchers to apply practices tailored to their farm and business.

Experimental Design Contribution: Farmers in options B and C can help select study fields, engage in annual project meetings, and allow researchers to conduct soil and greenhouse gas sampling on two fields annually.

Comprehensive Soil Tests: Participants will receive annual soil health tests, including routine nutrient tests, pH, texture, soil respiration, active carbon, nitrogen, and enzymatic activity.

Honorarium and Reports: Participants in groups B and C will receive a $200 annual honorarium per field and a carbon intensity report for their selected fields. They will also have opportunities to network with other farmers, commodity groups, and researchers.

Farmers interested in participating must enroll by September 15, 2024. For more information, visit the Michigan State University Extension website or contact your local Extension educator.

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