Climate change is reshaping Wisconsin’s farms. Farmers are experiencing intense weather patterns like heavy rain and longer summers. According to the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI), these changes are affecting crop yields and farm operations.
As the annual U.N. Climate Change Conference approaches, many Wisconsinites are sharing their views on climate change. A recent survey from the University of Wisconsin–Madison revealed that over half of the 900 farmers surveyed are worried about climate change. This survey came from the Soil Health & Agroecological Living Lab (SHALL).
Michael Bell, a professor at UW-Madison and co-leader of SHALL, found these results encouraging. He noted that 56% of farmers acknowledged climate change is real, while 26% were skeptical, and 18% were unsure. “Farmers are close to the land,” Bell explains. “They see how rising temperatures and extreme rainfall impact their work.”
Les Danielson, a fourth-generation dairy and grain farmer, echoes this concern. He recalls heavy rainfalls causing significant damage to his fields. “When we get 4 inches or more at once, it’s disastrous for crops that haven’t grown tall yet,” Danielson says. He has shifted to cover cropping, planting crops that protect the soil rather than for harvest.
Another farmer, Michael Slattery from Manitowoc County, uses no-till farming to minimize soil disturbance. He also notes the mixed impacts of climate change. “Last year’s snap beans didn’t thrive because of too much water,” Slattery explains. But on the bright side, he sees a longer growing season now, with the first frost arriving much later than before.
Both farmers agree that climate change is real and evident in their daily lives. They believe that more resources should be available to help farmers adapt and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As Bell puts it, “Understanding climate change is critical for the future of agriculture.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend in which more farmers are recognizing the need to address climate issues actively.
Overall, climate change presents challenges and opportunities for farmers in Wisconsin. As they adapt to new realities, their insights become vital to understanding how agriculture can thrive in a changing world.
