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New ways to turn a profit

Farmers might be looking for new ways to turn a profit with tight margins expected again in 2025.

Adam Kiel with the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund says their Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program offers payments that align with outcomes produced from certain conservation practices.

“There are things that farmers do that come at an additional cost, I think cover crops is a great example. But there are other things that farmers can do that are going to be cost-saving measures too, like reducing a tillage pass. You’re going to save on diesel, equipment wear, maybe you don’t need a piece of equipment anymore.”

He tells Brownfield program participants who reduce tillage benefit financially from both the payment and savings.

“I think that’s a great place to start if farmers are looking to ensure that they’re meeting their own financial needs as we look towards 2025 and beyond.”

Farmers in 12 states across the Midwest and Plains are enrolled and Kiel says the program, which recently announced new partnerships with McCormick and PepsiCo, is nearing 1 million acres.