Climate change is causing weather-related uncertainties. Temperature and precipitation levels are two factors that become less predictable as climate change continues to impact ecosystems. This causes problems for farmers, as unpredictable conditions can make it difficult to produce healthy, bountiful crops. In light of this, an interdisciplinary team of research, Extension, and outreach professionals at The Ohio State University are working together to identify how to promote sustainability and resilience among farmers in the Eastern Corn Belt. The team wants to understand how farmers can adapt to these changing environmental conditions while at the same time continuing to produce profitable yields and protecting vital ecosystems. Check out these brief videos to learn more about the project’s details.
The team’s climate infographic shows that mean daily maximum temperatures could increase as much as 10 degrees, while annual total precipitation could increase as much as 15 inches. The farmer infographic details the types of adaptation strategies farmers are willing to implement. The most preferred strategies included installing more drainage tile, increasing the use of conservation tillage, changing crop insurance coverage, and retiring land for conservation. Farmers who operate larger enterprises and farmers who are already experiencing climate-related impacts are most likely to pursue these adaptation strategies. Older farmers, farmers who operate smaller enterprises, and farmers who have not experienced many climate impacts are less likely to pursue new strategies.
Going forward, the team seeks to model how climate change and associated farmer adaptations will impact ecosystem services. They also seek to assess which policies and programs are most effective at increasing sustainability in the Eastern Corn Belt. If you are interested in learning more about this project, contact Project Director Robyn Wilson at Wilson.1376@osu.edu or 614-247-6169 for more information. This project is funded by National Institutes FA Award No. 2018-68002-27932.