Measuring and Predicting Iowa Farmers’ Current and Potential Future Use of Cover Crops

Abstract Iowa currently relies on voluntary mechanisms to promote the adoption of agricultural conservation practices to mitigate soil and water quality impacts. We draw on the reasoned action approach and diffusion-adoption frameworks to understand individual-level and external factors that influence farmers’ adoption of cover crops, an agricultural conservation practice. We examined farmers’ likelihoods of being a firm nonuser, a potential future user, or a current user of cover crops. Using data from a survey of 6,006 Iowa farmers, we conducted a multinomial logistic regression to analyze predictors of adoption and potential future adoption of cover crops. Positive predictors include no-till usage; support for environmental action; influence by local social networks and public agencies; and pasture acres. Negative predictors include rented land and perceptions about agronomic barriers to Iowa water quality improvement. This work explores variation among non-adopters and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of potential future adopters of cover crops in Iowa.