Do Extension professionals need to understand the science of climate change? Do our farmers, ranchers, and communities expect us to advise them on options for improving resiliency to climate extremes and changes into their systems?
Some would suggest that Nebraskans are
very skeptical when it comes to climate change. However, there is
evidence that our agricultural audiences, who's lives are impacted daily
by climate, recognize the need to adapt. I would point you to two
examples from the Sustainable Corn project, an USDA funded regional
project, found in Farmer Perspectives on Agriculture and Weather Variability in the Corn Belt: A Statistical Atlas. Across
22 corn belt watersheds, 65% of 4,778 sampled corn producers agreed
with the statement that farmers should take additional steps to protect
farmland from increased weather variability.
Figure 1: Farmers should take additional steps to protect farmland from increased weather variability (% who agree or strongly agree).
Additionally, 62% of sampled farmers agreed or strongly agreed that University Extension should help farmers to prepared for increased weather variability. The Middle Platte watershed demonstrated the highest agreement with this statement (69%) among all watersheds.
Figure 2: University Extension should help farmers to prepare for increased weather variability (% who agree or strongly agree).
While the report also supports our common observations on the skepticism of corn farmers to climate change and its human causes, the report does demonstrate farmers recognition of the need to adapt to climate changes and extremes.
I encourage Extension professionals to take advantage of the upcoming Extension professional development to add to your skills for advising farmers, ranchers, and community leaders on our changing climate...
Agenda/Travel Costs/Other Information - Click Here to View
Figure 1: Farmers should take additional steps to protect farmland from increased weather variability (% who agree or strongly agree).
Additionally, 62% of sampled farmers agreed or strongly agreed that University Extension should help farmers to prepared for increased weather variability. The Middle Platte watershed demonstrated the highest agreement with this statement (69%) among all watersheds.
Figure 2: University Extension should help farmers to prepare for increased weather variability (% who agree or strongly agree).
While the report also supports our common observations on the skepticism of corn farmers to climate change and its human causes, the report does demonstrate farmers recognition of the need to adapt to climate changes and extremes.
Resiliency of Nebraska Agriculture and Communities to a Changing Climate
Professional Development for Nebraska Extension Faculty
October 12-13, 2015
Nebraska Educational Telecommunications, 1800 North 33rd Street, Lincoln
Agenda/Travel Costs/Other Information - Click Here to View
Pre-registration is Required: Click Here to Register
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Extension
will cost share your expense of attending by picking up the cost of
your hotel. Please review the Agenda for additional information.
