Achieving greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions in animal feed production systems will require the adoption of climate-smart practices, as well as dedicated research into quantifying GHG reduction benefits to verify a climate-smart commodity. However, adoption of conservation practices that can provide climate benefits, such as cover crops, remains low in comparison to other regions of the U.S., ranging from 1-10% in the mid-south. Therefore, the implementation and comprehensive assessment of a pilot climate-smart systems program in grain production operations is critical to document the environmental, agronomic, and economic benefits of adoption, and to demonstrate a viable and scalable opportunity to produce a climate-smart commodity in the mid-south.

Failure to develop an approach that integrates with existing production systems, includes accurate GHG reduction estimates, and addresses immediate market demands, will result in decreased yield, increased direct costs of implementation, and limited ability to market and sell a climate-smart commodity for a value-added premium. Such impacts would ultimately increase undue burden and risk on our agricultural community and decrease conservation adoption. This project is funded by USDA NRCS under their Climate Smart Partnership program.

For more information regarding this project contact: joby.czarnecki@msstate.edu