By Blake Jackson
A new survey of Wisconsin farmers reveals that while only 56% believe climate change is occurring, nearly all are implementing at least one sustainable practice on their farms.
The study, conducted in 2024 by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and led by Professor Michael Bell, surveyed 3,200 farmers, with 942 responding.
Professor Bell noted that there’s often a gap between beliefs and actions. “Only 5 percent of the respondents to our survey … said they weren’t doing any of them. So, people are really working hard on this. They care, and that’s so wonderful to hear and appreciate,” Bell said.
The research was part of the Soil Health & Agroecological Living Lab (SHALL) initiative. Bell and his team aim to continue these surveys to monitor how beliefs and behaviours evolve over time in the farming community.
One farmer, Dick Cates of Iowa County, shared his experience with sustainable cattle farming. He noted clear signs of climate change on his land over the years.
“The long and the short of it is, I don’t think there’s really any uncertainty [about the reality of climate change],” Cates said. He tracks changes in rainfall, temperature, and seasonal patterns affecting his cattle and land.
Cates emphasized the influence of community and culture on farming practices. He observed that cover crops were rare on his drive to Tennessee but common in his own valley, indicating local commitment to conservation.
Bell recently visited Cates’ farm and was struck by its vibrancy. “What it was noisy with was birds. There were birds everywhere. Everybody was singing. It was just glorious. The sound of sustainability, it’s there on their farm,” he said.
The survey highlights how farmers are taking meaningful action to protect the environment, even when opinions about climate change differ.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, General