By Blake Jackson
In response to increasingly unpredictable weather, the 1890 land-grant system is collaborating to tackle challenges affecting farmers, gathering regional insights to compare producer experiences and pinpoint common concerns. Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) recently launched a project to collect and apply farmer feedback as part of this broader effort.
The initiative, Ecological Resilience and Extreme Weather Events: Impacts on Farmers, Landowners and Communities, combines Cooperative Extension and research to document field-level observations, understand how growers respond to sudden weather shifts, and track the management strategies used to protect their land over time.
“Producers share a lot about what they’re dealing with,” said Dr. Eleazar Gonzalez, principal investigator for the project and state Extension specialist for LU’s Agricultural Economics and Marketing Program. “Listening to their experiences helps us understand what is happening on their farms and what support will matter most.”
Research is led by Dr. Ye Su, principal investigator and Cooperative Research faculty member for Agribusiness, who analyzes producer responses to identify patterns in attitudes, field decisions, and management strategies.
This effort is complemented by a North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) project, led by Gonzalez, which focuses on small producers with limited resources to study long-term practices and adoption challenges.
Producers report how rapid weather changes affect their fields, the strategies they already employ, and the types of support that would help them maintain productivity. Early findings in Missouri reveal a shared recognition of increasing variability and a strong interest in methods that enhance soil health and ensure more reliable harvests.
Findings underscore the link between sudden weather stress and the need for robust soil systems. Growers are adopting soil-focused approaches that improve moisture retention during dry periods, manage excess water after heavy rain, and help crops withstand temperature fluctuations.
“Producers are more likely to adopt a practice when they see direct results on their land,” Su said. “Once they recognize that a method improves their soil or protects their operation, it becomes a natural choice.”
LU Cooperative Extension uses this feedback to shape workshops, on-site demonstrations, and farm visits, helping farmers implement practical, sustainable strategies that protect soil and strengthen resilience against extreme weather.
“Producers want information that matches their needs,” Gonzalez said. “Our sessions are built around the concerns they shared with us - what they can manage, what they can afford and what will actually help their fields hold up during tough weather.”
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: Missouri, Education, Weather