A new survey of more than 900 Wisconsin farmers reveals that a majority acknowledge that climate change is happening and will harm future generations. The farmers surveyed work in a broad range of industry sectors, from dairy cattle and poultry to field crops and forest products.
The survey was conducted by researchers at the Soil Health & Agroecological Living Lab (SHALL) in the Department of Community and Environmental Sociology at UW–Madison, in collaboration with the Survey Research Center of UW–River Falls.
“The findings show that most Wisconsin farmers surveyed believe that climate change is happening, and many are experiencing its effects firsthand,” says Rachel Gurney, a co-leader of SHALL.
The survey was sent to 3,200 farmers across the state in February 2024. Of those, 942 farmers responded, resulting in a 29% response rate. Gurney worked with SHALL co-leaders Michael Bell and Valerie Stull to develop and conduct the survey and to analyze the data.
“A key takeaway from the survey is concern over the future of Wisconsin agriculture,” says Stull. “With this growing concern, farmers are looking for solutions and support to mitigate the impacts, and many are adopting conservation practices, such as cover cropping, rotational grazing and improved soil management to build resilience against extreme weather events and shifting conditions.”
Findings from the survey include:
56% of respondents believe climate change is happening. In contrast, 26% believe it is not happening. The other 18% are unsure.
Many farmers are engaging in sustainable farming practices. For example, 46% report practicing cover cropping, 38% are implementing diverse crop rotations and 39% use conservation tillage.
Of the farmers who believe climate change is happening or are unsure:
- 61% think climate change will harm future generations a moderate amount or a great deal.
- 58% are very worried or somewhat worried about climate change.
- 47% agree or strongly agree that climate change will harm agriculture in Wisconsin.
- 47% believe they have personally experienced the effects of climate change.
- 46% believe climate change is caused by human activities.
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