Delivering on the potential of formal farmer networks: Insights from Indiana

Abstract

Several formal farmer networks have emerged throughout the midwestern United States to address issues of nitrogen (N) runoff and eutrophication. The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of these formal farmer networks through an evaluation of two networks in Indiana. The research was guided by two main questions: (1) Are farmers who participate in the networks actually implementing better nutrient management practices? (2) Are participating farmers spreading their knowledge of better nutrient management practices to other farmers outside the formal networks? Interviews with select network members were conducted in early 2014, and a mail survey of all network members was conducted in the summer of 2014. Survey results were compared to the results of a statewide Indiana Nutrient Management Survey conducted during the winter of 2014. The results show that network farmers vary significantly from nonnetwork farmers in multiple ways. Network farmers have more positive attitudes toward water quality, perceive water pollution as a more severe problem, and utilize more conservation practices than nonnetwork farmers. Network farmers also vary in demographic characteristics. Length of time in the network is positively associated with reporting a change in N management practices. Diffusion of nutrient management practices outside the networks seems very limited. The findings point to ways that formal farmer networks can be improved. One recommendation is to diversify the participants and include more farmers who have not already adopted conservation practices. Another recommendation is to increase the number of group meetings during the year. One meeting is insufficient to build the trust and rapport necessary for farmers to accept and adopt the technologies being shared by others. Finally, outreach should focus on economic arguments for improved N management.