Novel Farmer-to-Farmer Learning Approaches to Cultivate a Culture of Conservation in the Mississippi River Basin

Novel Farmer-to-Farmer Learning Approaches to Cultivate a Culture of Conservation in the Mississippi River Basin Amanda Gumbert Abstract This project will increase farmer adoption of conservation practices by testing the impacts of two novel engagement approaches that facilitate peer learning among farmers. Our research will determine the approaches’ effectiveness at encouraging landowners to adopt edge-of-field practices. The first approach will pilot a virtual meet-up series for farmers that will provide a platform for peer learning to overcome challenges related to conservation adoption. Our second approach will pilot a farmer leadership accelerator mini-grant program that supports pairs of farmers and farm advisors to 1) implement edge-of-field practices on the farmers’ operations and 2) create videos or podcasts about the farmers’ experiences to communicate practical advice to other farmers. We will recruit at least 6 farmer-farm advisor pairs from across the Mississippi River Basin, targeting farmers in high-priority areas, as designated by watershed models. We will provide leadership training to the farmers, utilizing existing educational curricula we have developed through previous work. This project’s intended long- term outcome is an increased number of farmers in the Mississippi River Basin that adopt edge- of-field conservation practices and more farmland acres stewarded with sustainable soil and water management practices. In the short term, this project will generate valuable social data that could inform subsequent farmer outreach efforts.