By Blake Jackson
Kate Nelson, an associate professor at the University of Missouri’s School of Natural Resources, has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant to investigate challenges in modern agriculture. Her research focuses on whether current farming systems are caught in a "simplification trap," where limited diversity in practices negatively impacts both the environment and human health.
“When we think of diversification that is happening, we think of small-scale organic farms and regenerative ag, but, currently, they are mostly small-scale, and we need that diversification in larger operations for long-term sustainability,” said Nelson.
The grant will enable Nelson to study factors contributing to these simplification traps, including mechanization, crop insurance, economic incentives, rural economies, and global markets.
By examining historical records, such as the U.S. Agricultural Census and reports from Missouri and Kansas, Nelson aims to uncover overlooked stories of how farming practices have evolved over time. These records, containing valuable insights into rural challenges like economic shifts, disease, and population changes, will also be digitized to make them more accessible.
“Opportunities for rural families are increasingly constrained, and we can’t increase these opportunities without strategic investment in rural communities,” said Nelson.
Through her research, Nelson hopes to support both farmers and the environment by fostering sustainable agricultural practices that enhance resilience, break free from harmful cycles, and benefit rural economies. This work underscores the importance of balancing ecological health with the well-being of agricultural communities.
Photo Credit: university-of-missouri
Categories: Missouri, Education