Science Articles

Midwestern US Farmers Perceive Crop Advisers as Conduits of Information on Agricultural Conservation Practices

Environmental Management
2017
Eanes, Francis R.; Singh, Ajay S.; Bulla, Brian R.; Ranjan, Pranay; Prokopy, Linda S.; Fales, Mary; Wickerham, Benjamin; Doran, Patrick J.
PublisherSpringer
Source N/A
Volume / Issue60/5
Pages974-988
Total Pages14 pages
Article Linkhttps://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00267-017-0927-z
PDF Linkhttps://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00267-017-0927-z
ISBN N/A
DOI10.1007/s00267-017-0927-z
Editor(s) N/A
Conference / Book Title N/A
Flag N/A
Tagsconservation practice adoption; farmers; crop advisers; nonpoint source pollution; Great Lakes; agriculture
Other N/A
Conference Title N/A
Conference Date N/A
Publication DateAugust 30, 2017
Article Date N/A
GS Citation N/A
AbstractNonpoint source pollution from agricultural land uses continues to pose one of the most significant threats to water quality in the US, with measurable impacts across local, regional, and national scales. The impact and the influence of targeted conservation efforts are directly related to the degree to which farmers are familiar with and trust the entities providing the information and/or outreach. Recent research suggests that farmers consistently rank independent and retail-affiliated crop advisers as among the most trusted and influential sources for agronomic information, but little is understood about whether farmers are willing to receive advice from crop advisers on the use of practices that conserve soil and water, and, if so, whether crop advisers will be perceived as influential. We present survey data from farmers (n_=_1461) in MichiganÕs Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron) watershed to explore these questions. Results suggest that farmers view crop advisers as trustworthy sources of information about conservation, and influential on management practices that have large conservation implications. We discuss these results, along with perceived barriers and opportunities to crop advisers partnering with traditional conservation agencies to enhance the impact of voluntary conservation programs.
Created: 12/14/2017 10:30 AM (ET)
Modified: 1/3/2019 11:16 AM (ET)
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