3) Large will not adopt unless forced. – Prompt: What other items could be barriers to adoption (than asked in the survey)? Intrinsic In a good year, it’s easier to take risks. Farming is a high risk business. – Standard practices from the past Aesthetics some don’t like the look of a operation – “messy” Commitment to cost share - 3 year contract Amount of paperwork/time required for NRCS/EQIP. Prompt: What messages would be effective for conservation adoption? Economics is an important message. Let people know it’ll be worth it in the long run returns in – $$ Message needs to focus on yield and reduce input cost” “increase Economics and emotions play major role in farming money and family – Know your client, understand their objectives, overcome the obstacles, and close the sale. Different farmers react to different messages health farmer” thinks about passing to kids, – “Soil farmer” thinks about managing acres. “conventional Less farmers year after year = more acres for those still farming Must balance soil health and – managing more acres. Missing Amish audience How to bring them to the table? – Reiterate that benefits from practices show up in long term - 5 years to see soil health increase. bushels may not mean most return per acre” “Most Prompt: Does the message change depending on the practice? Barriers depend on the practice Nutrient management plans are low hanging fruit Immediate savings and can be used to discuss – other practices - a conversation. “gateway” Prompt: Who are the most effective messengers to relay conservation messages? Retailers and media are huge influencers Indiana has good champions for conservation– but who is next? Hoosier Ag Today is a reputable publication Find in the media and concentrate on them give them data and invite them to field “nay-sayers” – days Survey says CCAs, so it’s important that they share same message as everyone involved Message needs to come from people farmers can trust CCAs. – Prompt: How to message IANA goals? Involve FSA and ISDA to push goals promote in newsletters and communications to farmers. – Report out from small tables Table 1 Demonstrations and one-on-one interactions work best Provide information and resources for conservation minded landowners (i.e., “fill-in-the-blank” lease for conservation) Biggest barriers are aesthetics and standard practices from the past Promote the message bushels may not mean most returns per acre” “most
3) Large – will not adopt unless forced. Prompt: What other items could be barriers to adoption (than asked in the survey)? Intrinsic – In a good year, it’s easier to take risks. Farming is a high risk business. Standard practices from the past Aesthetics – some don’t like the look of a “messy” operation Commitment to cost share - 3 year contract Amount of paperwork/time required for NRCS/EQIP. Prompt: What messages would be effective for conservation adoption? Economics is an important message. Let people know it’ll be worth it in the long run – returns in $$ Message needs to focus on “increase yield and reduce input cost” Economics and emotions play major role in farming – money and family Know your client, understand their objectives, overcome the obstacles, and close the sale. Different farmers react to different messages – “Soil health farmer” thinks about passing to kids, “conventional farmer” thinks about managing acres. Less farmers year after year = more acres for those still farming – Must balance soil health and managing more acres. Missing Amish audience – How to bring them to the table? Reiterate that benefits from practices show up in long term - 5 years to see soil health increase. “Most bushels may not mean most return per acre” Prompt: Does the message change depending on the practice? Barriers depend on the practice Nutrient management plans are low hanging fruit – Immediate savings and can be used to discuss other practices - a “gateway” conversation. Prompt: Who are the most effective messengers to relay conservation messages? Retailers and media are huge influencers Indiana has good champions for conservation– but who is next? Hoosier Ag Today is a reputable publication Find “nay-sayers” in the media and concentrate on them – give them data and invite them to field days Survey says CCAs, so it’s important that they share same message as everyone involved Message needs to come from people farmers can trust – CCAs. Prompt: How to message IANA goals? Involve FSA and ISDA to push goals – promote in newsletters and communications to farmers. Report out from small tables Table 1 Demonstrations and one-on-one interactions work best Provide information and resources for conservation minded landowners (i.e., “fill-in-the-blank” lease for conservation) Biggest barriers are aesthetics and standard practices from the past Promote the message “most bushels may not mean most returns per acre”
StMarys_July25_meeting_summary.docx