As farmers and ag leaders continue to embrace and adopt conservation practices, there’s a growing conversation about the role of environmental programs, water quality initiatives, and the hurdles that come with making meaningful changes on the farm.
In responding to the February discussion topic, Nutrient Tales: The Good, the Bad, and the Algae, members shared their insights and experiences with statewide environmental programs, challenges in adopting conservation practices, and what they wish the public better understood about agricultural conservation.
These thoughtful responses highlight both the progress made and the areas needing improvement, providing a valuable perspective on how agriculture can continue to contribute to environmental sustainability while balancing the realities of farming.
They deserve a good think:
Do you participate in any environmental statewide programs like MAEAP? What do you like about those programs and what could be improved?
One of us is involved in MAEAP, but they could do a better job letting farmers know what changes are coming. One benefit is that it is voluntary and not mandatory. (The Cornstalks; ProFILE)
Allison's dairy participates in MAEP and both farms went through the FARM program. There could be more incentives to participate, and they tend to have excessive plans to fix compliance issues. (The Moo Crew; ProFILE)
No, but we do think it’s a great idea and are glad it’s available. (Kirk’s Farm Bureau Group; Livingston)
Yes, MAEAP and the Feed in Focus. Simplification could help decrease red tape. (AgVentures; Saginaw)
Not many in our group participate, with reasons varying from “not worth it” to “not enough time or manpower” or “we already doing a lot of the things that they want us to do". (Cass River Crew; Saginaw)
Yes. One farm has been MAEAP verified for 13 years. The owner used the opportunity to explain areas covered by MAEAP and requirements. (Green Meadow Plow Jockeys; Kalamazoo County)
What do you think the biggest hurdle(s) to conservation practice adoption is?
Not knowing how to get started. The time and money it takes. It can be tough to know all the regulations involved with the different policies; if you miss one detail you’re out. (The Cornstalks; ProFILE)
Some of the biggest hurdles are cost, fear of the organization and what they could do, and older generations who may not be as open to changing their farming practices. (The Moo Crew; ProFILE)
People don’t like to change. Fear of yield loss and learning to use different equipment. Time constraints. (Kirk’s Farm Bureau Group; Livingston)
Cost, bureaucracy and red tape. (AgVentures; Saginaw)
The extra time it takes and equipment wear and tear seem to be the most common answer. (Cass River Crew; Saginaw)
Our MAEAP-verified participant is very happy with the program. MAEAP verification makes good suggestions to implement additional environmental protection safeguards. (Green Meadow Plow Jockeys; Kalamazoo)
What do you wish the public understood about agricultural conservation?
Farmers care and we want to protect the land for future generations; we’re not destroying it. It’s expensive to farm and practice conservation; we’re not just doing it for nothing. Farmers know what they’re doing, it makes no sense to dump extra fertilizer, especially when it could leach. (The Cornstalks; ProFILE)
We’ve made huge strides as an industry in sustainability in a short amount of time. We also wish they knew or recognized that we are living on the same planet and raising our families here too. (The Moo Crew; ProFILE)
Conservation is everyone’s business. Farmers pay attention to how much fertilizer they use as it is expensive. (Kirk’s Farm Bureau Group; Livingston)
That we are and try to be good stewards of the land. (AgVentures; Saginaw)
That farmers really are doing many things because we understand the benefits of doing them. (Cass River Crew; Saginaw)
Finances. Making changes to buildings and farming practices to meet criteria can be expensive. (Green Meadow Plow Jockeys; Kalamazoo)
What resources or programs would you like to see related to nutrients and water quality?
There are classes available but we’re not sure how well known they are. It seems like there are way too many programs. Streamline them and make them easier to understand. We need to explain the different conservation programs and make sure (a) they make sense scientifically and (b) that farmers understand they’re trying to achieve. (The Cornstalks; ProFILE)
We wish we could see standardized programs for monitoring water quality. It should be the same program for those farming and for those not farming (water from the cities). (The Moo Crew; ProFILE)
We would like to know how a wetland filters water. We are at the headwaters of the Cedar River and most of us have a wetland next to a field. (Kirk’s Farm Bureau Group; Livingston)
Soil health, soil till. Better funding. (AgVentures; Saginaw)
Everyone thought the programs are already there; they just have to be used if one so chooses. The problem seems to be that, with equipment prices keep rising like they are, there’s no way for any program to pay enough to cover the costs involved. (Cass River Crew; Saginaw)
Most of us are doing the best we can — and a much better job than the public thinks. (Green Meadow Plow Jockeys; Kalamazoo)
Question #5: What resources or programs would you like to see related to nutrients and water quality?
We should be able to ask for help when we’re uncertain about the requirements and expectations. And we should be able to make corrections instead of being hit with a fine for what we didn’t know. (Green Meadow Plow Jockeys; Kalamazoo)
Share Story
Article Tags
