Attitudes of Great Plains producers about best management practices, conservation programs, and water quality

Over the past few decades many millions of dollars have been spent on the promotion, installation, and maintenance of cropland best management practices (BMPs) that reduce nutrient and sediment runoff. Compensating producers through conservation programs for BMP adoption has had notable success to date; however, there are still many producers who choose not to participate in conservation programs and/or decide not to implement BMPs. Why is this the case and how can we as conservationists better promote and encourage BMP adoption and conservation program participation? We found that a high percentage of producers are aware of available conservation programs; however, less than half of those indicate that they have participated in the programs. Our survey results suggest there is no single, simple answer to speeding the rate of producers' BMP adoption and participation in conservation programs. We advocate that participation rates can be raised substantially through a multifaceted approach that may include increased payment levels but also acknowledges the gap in perceptions, provides more flexible enrollment options, and simplifies enrollment procedures and rules while continuing to ensure compliance.