Climate Resilient Small Farms in North Carolina
Agricultural Issues
Mark Blevins
Asst Extension Administrator
NC A&T State University
Greensboro
Abstract
Changing weather associated with a changing climate presents a growing challenge to agriculture in North Carolina. However, the diversity in size, products, and soils of North Carolina farms are assets to help build resilience to severe weather. Adopting climate resilient agricultural practices, including cover crops, conservation tillage, and high tunnels can help North Carolina farms respond effectively to and recover quickly from severe weather events. NC A&T Ag Agents identified small farms in each of our three geographic regions that both implement some of these practices and keep good records. We partnered with the Environmental Defense Fund to analyze the financial impacts of these practices on three selected farms using financial tools previously applied to larger grain farms in the Midwest. Four (4) educational films were professionally produced, Five (5) fact sheets and printed materials were developed, and multiple public events are being held to share the results and encourage adoption of these practices. Results show that the financial bottom line of these growers increased by $23/Acre in one case and nearly $13,000 total in another. These financial benefits were based on cover cropping, reducing tillage, utilizing high tunnels effectively, and other practices discussed in this project. Growers and agents are hungry for quantifiable information on financial impacts of these agricultural practices that increase climate resilience. These small farm case studies in North Carolina can apply to diversified farms across the country as the methodology and delivery methods relate to many farm types.
Authors: Nelson Brownlee, Mark Blevins, Vincent Gauthier
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Nelson Brownlee Agriculture Agent, NC , North Carolina, 28360
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Mark Blevins Asst Extension Administrator, NC A&T State University, North Carolina, 27420
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Vincent Gauthier Senior Analyst, Climate Smart Agriculture, Environmental Defense Fund, Massachusetts, 02108