Innovating down on the farm: Communication networks that facilitate water quality practices

摘要

Meaningful conservation practices on upper Midwest grain farms cannot be effective without robust networks of farmer operators, landowners, advocacy groups, and conservation officials working together. These communication networks, which are currently weak or non-existent, require willing actors employing technical expertise to improve water quality by growing cover crops in Iowa. Technical communicators have the skills to play a role in this effort but are not currently engaged. In my paper I look specifically at the case of one relationship that includes landowner, farmer operator, government agencies, and advocacy groups.