By Scout Nelson
Kansas Wheat and Kansas State University (K-State) are joining forces through a $1 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). This initiative is set to begin in 2025 and aims to guide Kansas farmers in integrating sustainable conservation practices into their winter wheat cultivation, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to land stewardship reminiscent of the lessons learned from the 1930s Dust Bowl.
The project, spearheaded by Kansas Wheat’s Aaron Harries and K-State’s Romulo Lollato, focuses on educating farmers about the benefits of conservation strategies such as reduced tillage, cover cropping, diversified crop rotations, and improved nutrient management.
These practices are known to enhance soil health, curb erosion, and conserve both water and carbon — key components in facing the challenges of modern agriculture sustainably.
In addition to spreading knowledge, the project involves a partnership with certified crop advisors (CCAs) and the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kansas. This collaboration aims to increase farmer engagement and participation in Farm Bill programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). These programs offer financial assistance to farmers implementing these beneficial practices.
To ensure effective implementation, the grant also provides funding for two full-time staff members dedicated to working closely with growers and CCAs across Kansas. Their role is to facilitate the enrollment process in these Farm Bill programs, making it more accessible and less daunting for producers.
Outreach efforts will be integrated with existing initiatives like Wheat Rx, a partnership between K-State Research and Extension and Kansas Wheat. This established program already disseminates cutting-edge research and recommendations for cultivating high-yield, high-quality winter wheat.
This new endeavor will be based out of the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center in Manhattan, Kansas. The center not only serves as a hub for this project but also symbolizes the ongoing investment of Kansas wheat producers in the future of their industry, ensuring their practices are sustainable and grounded in sound, scientific research.
Photo Credits:gettyimages-ygrek
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Wheat