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Situation: Farms in the Northeast lie within compact, rural watersheds that contribute to drinking water supplies and an abundance of fresh and coastal water resources. Close proximity to high population densities, high production costs and a limited land base have prompted regional farmers to intensify crop and livestock production. These farmers are also looking to adopt alternative crops, markets, and practices, including organic production. Nutrient management challenges abound in these farming systems with pollution risks to ground and surface waters.
NESCI Response: The USDA/NIFA Northeast States and Caribbean Islands (NESCI) Regional Water Center established a Production Agriculture Focus Area to assist farmers in their adoption and/or intensification of crop production, while protecting water resources from run-off and leaching of soil, excess nutrients and pesticides. Programs include: applied research on cropping systems; development and implementation of farmer-friendly nutrient management tools; and education of consultants who guide regional farmers.
Collaborative, multi-year and multi-location comprehensive cover crop and corn hybrid research projects were conducted in Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont. Research results were presented to more than 300 farmers who attended 15 annual regional field days and farmer research group meetings. Farmers took home their knowledge and implemented new approaches on their farms. For example, use of cover crops in Vermont increased from 100 to 3000 acres in 4 years. Farmers reported about two ton increases in corn silage yields per acre. Farmers also predicted savings of about $30 per acre of nitrogen fertilizer and $6 per acre on fuel. Acreage under cover crops eliminated over 6000 tons of soil loss into Vermont’s watersheds. Cover crop adoption rates continue to increase and many state and federal cost-share programs for cover cropping were maxed annually.
The University of Vermont Extension developed a course for livestock farmers to create their own nutrient management plans (NMPs) that meet state and federal standards. As of 2010, 106 farmers have successfully written, implemented and updated their own plans. A manual with companion user-friendly computer program was posted online for use and adaptation throughout the region. The course has grown to include turf farmers as well as organic and specialty crop producers. The University of Rhode Island adopted the course. Maine NRCS is evaluating its applicability for their state. Learning tools and applications for farmers in the region are now being developed for cell phone technology. With these tools, record keeping on farms will be simplified, thereby broadening the adoption and effectiveness of farmer-led NMP.
The University of Maine and Cornell University spearheaded efforts to provide regionally-based training for Certified Crop Advisers (CCA; professional certification program of the American Society of Agronomy). CCAs helped farmers reduce on-farm inputs, including expenditures of fertilizers and pesticides on farms in the region. More than 90% of the participants at the 2010 conference expressed their enhanced ability to assist the farmers in decision making on nutrient management, crop production, seed selection, forage management, and insect and weed management. 94% of participants predicted that their farmer clients will use the nutrient management information. Farmers saved money after working with these trained CCAs, up to $40 per acre and$200,000 per farm per year.
On the Ground Results: Northeast Extension programs delivered current information on cropping system research and tools for nutrient management planning to farmers and CCAs. These farmers and CCAs are applying this knowledge and implementing these tools on local farms. Less sediment, nutrients and pesticides are finding their way into Northeast groundwater and surface waters.
