Four North Dakota Drift Prairie farmers and their farm operations participated in the demonstration project which proved that farmers are willing to make changes to protect the environment when those options are economically feasible. Stewards of the Land is their story.
CAP Results
Wetlands Changes
CAP contracted with the UND Biology department to compare wetlands filters. The study assessed Farmed wetlands, filtered-farmed wetlands (buffers) and CRP wetlands. The three land types were evaluated for breeding birds, plant communities, soil quality, carbon sequestrationand other factors.
During the four years of the CAP, a 71 species of birds were identified including:
- 28 passerines
- 14 shorebirds
- 13 ducks
- 29 obligates (birds that require wetlands to survive).
CAP buffered wetlands changed significantly with increased bird diversity, an increase in native plant flora quality scores, higher richness of invertebrates, decreased bare soil, and increased "litter" thickness. CRP and agricultural wetlands remained fairly constant.
Recent concerns over global warming have led scientists to identify innovative ways to offset greenhouse gas emissions. The CAP demonstrated the effects of wetlands on carbon sequestration Sequestering carbon in agricultural lands could, with legislated caps on emissions, generate as much as $90 per acre, providing an alternative use for marginal lands while increasing biodiversity.
During the 4 years of CAP, wetlands increased carbon storage by 22-24 percent.
Soil quality, the slowest landscape element to change, was measured against baseline organic matter and bulk density tests taken in 2001 and again in fall, 2004. Soil testing allowed farmers to adjust nutrient inputs and save money without an crop loss.
Retirement and Farm Transitions
Three of the four CAP demonstration farm families addressed the issue of retirement. This is a growing concern for farmers in North Dakota where the average age of farmers is 54 years old.
Economic Impact
The total percent of indebtedness is a key indicator of financial viability. The average total indebtedness decreased for three of the four CAP farms. All four farms were lower than the regional average.
Seed, chemical, fertilizer expenses per cropland acre, an indicator of reliance on purchased inputs for crop production, were lower for three of the four farms than the regional averages.
Spring wheat yield is an indicator of long-term sustainability and three of the four farms had spring wheat yields exceeding regional averages. One demonstration farm had spring wheat yields exceeding absolute terms and regional averages by 10% or more.
CAP Demonstration Strengths
Increased conservation occurred on the demonstrations farms had had desired effects of
- Improved soil quality
- Increased habitat
- Greater diversity
- Better landscape function
CAP farms showed a decreasing debt load
Grass buffers had a major impact in reducing sediment in wetlands and streams.
Residue management reduced erosion and improves oil quality
Farm families participated in an Adult Farm Management program and gained tools and experience in monitoring profitability
CAP farmers who were initially hesitant to engage in the CAP are now willing to share their experiences and knowledge with other farmers in conversations and presentations.
CAP demonstrated that restoring environmental health within a working farm is possible.
The CAP approach has the long term benefits of changing farming systems and at the same time providing more stability to farm families and their communities.
Continuing Challenges
Farm economics drive land use. If commodity prices increase and surpass the payments for conservation practices, farmers may abandon conservation programs to plan more profitable commodities. Conservation payments need to compete with other alternative programs.
Federal conservation programs are under funded. Programs are announced with extensive awareness campaigns, however the competition for funds is very high. Funds are quickly exhausted leaving many qualifying farmers out of the program. Small acreage farmers are often not eligible for federal programs.
Farmers are able to sequester significant amounts of carbon. This sequestration will have value when greenhouse gas emissions are capped. The challenge is to develop a marketing mechanism that is fair and convenient for the farmer to enter and exit if need be.
Farmers are more wiling to participate in conservation and wildlife easement programs with short-term commitments that can be renegotiated over time.
Programs addressing holistic farm planning including ecological health, societal impacts and quality of life components of farm operations need to be available, especially to new and young farmers.