View in Browser
February 23, 2023
 
 
 
 
Here’s What Farmers Think About Conservation Programs. Hint: They’re Ready
 

There is palpable excitement and momentum in conservation agriculture for those who work in this space. And there is also a common concern for organizations that are implementing conservation on the ground: Will producers embrace the opportunities available to them in the next three to five years?

From USDA to the many private-sector and nonprofit organizations charged with accelerating the adoption of climate-smart management practices, our success will depend on the extent to which we can properly identify producers and provide a value proposition that benefits their unique operations.

Although enrolling acres is daunting, there’s good news: About 75% of producers see value in conservation agriculture programs, and about half see “great value,” according to new research conducted by Trust In Food and America’s Conservation Ag Movement (ACAM). More than half say conservation agriculture is associated with increased profitability, increased yields, operational resilience, extreme weather management and leaving a legacy for the next generation. More than 70% are interested and open to learning about participation in conservation ag practices or programs.

This new research, which we’ll be sharing in more depth with NRCS and other partners in ACAM in the coming months, is more than an encouraging signal for the work ahead. It’s validation that the work we’ve collectively done to socialize the benefits of climate-smart agriculture is resonating with producers, and many are ready to understand how they can capitalize on “a once-in-a-lifetime investment into conservation,” as NRCS Chief Terry Cosby referred to it at the Trust In Food Symposium last month.

Producers aren’t tuning out; they’re becoming more discerning on how programs and practices intersect with their operations. As a result, messaging must become more targeted, and segmentation must become more precise. This is the central purpose of our Human Dimensions of Change research, our Readiness Index and the data capabilities of Farm Journal that power our producer outreach and engagement.

This is a critical time for understanding why producers are interested in conservation and identifying which ones feel capable of making change. As always, Trust In Food is here to help you help producers on their journey.


Yours in regenerative ag,
Amy Skoczlas Cole
President, Trust In Food™
 
 
 
 
Jimmy Emmons Named SVP Of Climate-Smart Agriculture Programs At Trust In Food
 
By David Frabotta, director of climate-smart content, Trust In Food: Farm Journal’s Trust In Food™ is proud to welcome Jimmy Emmons as senior vice president of climate-smart programs. Emmons will lead Trust In Food’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Connected Ag Project, America’s Conservation Ag Movement and Trust In Beef, coalition-driven conservation programs developed to accelerate the adoption of conservation agriculture at scale. Jimmy and his wife, Ginger, own and operate Emmons Farm in Leedey, Okla., where they manage 2,000 acres and 300 head of cattle in an integrated row-crop and livestock operation that optimizes water resources, reduces erosion and improves organic material in the soils.
 
 
 
 
Civil Eats Spotlights Sorghum Climate Opportunities
 
Shared by Nate Birt, senior adviser, Trust In Food: Sorghum’s ability to grow with scarce water makes it a popular crop in the increasingly arid Great Plains. What’s more, farmers and researchers think the crop could help farms adapt amid a changing climate and continue to support historically underserved producers’ farm businesses. The article hit the presses shortly before USDA announced this month several new investments to support western U.S. producers facing water scarcity.
 
 
 
 

News We’re Following
 

United Airlines Taps Corn to Bring Ethanol-Based Jet Fuel to Market (via AgWeb.com)

Shared by Jim Wiesemeyer, Pro Farmer Washington analyst, Farm Journal: To advance its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, United Airlines has formed a partnership to ramp up production of sustainable fuel for planes. If successful, the venture’s production facilities could be operational by 2028.
 
 

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of Inflation Reduction Act Funding for Climate-Smart Agriculture Nationwide (via USDA)

By David Frabotta, director of climate-smart content, Trust In Food: Farmers and ranchers can begin applying for new billions of dollars in new funds that will help them get financial support and technical assistance for implementation of climate-smart practices. “We know that agriculture plays a critical role in the nation’s effort to address climate change,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack stated in a Feb. 13 news release. “We’re using this funding to bolster our existing programs, maximize climate benefits, and foster other environmental benefits across the landscape.”
 
 

Hung Up on ESG And Your Value Proposition: You Don't Have To Be A Leader, Be A Fast Follower (via The Scoop)

By Margy Eckelkamp, editor, Farm Journal’s The Scoop: As more ag retail companies explore how to integrate ESG principles into their businesses, President Brad Oelmann of Farrell Growth Group encourages them to consider environmental, social and governance opportunities in turn. “Prioritize where these three things are in relation to everything else you’re doing,” Oelmann says. “If you can tie those actions into your value proposition, that makes it even a bit easier.”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Connect With Us:
You are receiving this email because you are a subscriber or past subscriber to a Farm Journal Product.
 
 
 
Copyright 2023 Farm Journal, Inc 8725 Rosehill Road Lenexa, KS, 66215