In partnership with the Wisconsin Demonstration Farm Networks, researchers from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign conducted a multi-year study to understand how demo farms have impacted conservation adoption in their respective watersheds. This two-part study was designed to quantify how much the demo farms have influenced cover crop adoption and to understand how the demo farms have catalyzed land use changes.

The Wisconsin Demonstration Farm Networks are funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) utilizing Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funds. This research project was funded by The Nature Conservancy.

Quantitative Approach:
– Paired satellite data on cover crops with demonstration farm locations and activities
– Compared across networks & across time

Qualitative Approach:
– Interviewed 45 farmers (22 demo; 23 non-demo) across 6 networks
– Used social network analysis to examine relationships
– Identified themes: perceived changes in adoption, social acceptability, future conservation plans

Project at a Glance

Dig Deeper

Extension hosted a webinar featuring the University of Illinois and partners with the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). Learn more about the study, its results, and how practitioners are working with farmers and applying the findings.

Additional Resources

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

Farmer Demonstration Network Program Associated WithIncreased Conservation Adoption