(KIWA Staff Photo)
Statewide Iowa (RI) — Researchers say farmers across the Corn Belt want to diversify their operations but struggle to see a way forward.
J. Arbuckle, a rural sociologist at Iowa State University, helped gather input from farmers in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana, where over 90% of crop production is dedicated to corn and soybeans. He says farmers understand that diversifying can increase profitability by reducing inputs like fertilizer while improving soil health and water quality.
A new report outlines priority areas to address obstacles to diversification, including crop-insurance reform and incentives to expand processing for small grains and fruits.
Paige Frautschy with the Nature Conservancy, which is involved in the Diverse Corn Belt Project, says farmers are eager for alternatives.
Arbuckle and Frautschy made their comments during an Iowa Farmers Union webinar.
