How can agricultural landscapes be structured and managed to maintain sustainable production while preserving biodiversity?
With the Healthy Farm Index we plan to provide a tool for landowners to measure their farm's ecological health and maintain or improve crop productivity.
An Introduction to the Healthy Farm Index
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is establishing a statewide land-base to conduct research to better understand organic agroecosystems and solve issues these systems face. In order to tie diverse sites together, and build relationships with local organic farmers for future on-farm research, we are developing a Healthy Farm Index that documents the diversity of benefits organic farms provide to the local community, economy, and environment.
Conventional measures of farm success focus on maximizing field size and short-term yield. Production increases have come at a cost to environmental and human health estimated between $5.7 and $16.9 billion annually in the United States . Consequently there have been numerous calls for a paradigm shift in agriculture and new measures of farm success.
Organic certification is one measure of farm production that recognizes and rewards farmers for eliminating chemicals and enhancing soil quality. We are developing a measure, the Healthy Farm Index, which recognizes a wider range of ecosystem services that organic and sustainable farms provide.
Methods
Graduate students and technicians from the university will conduct bird surveys during the summer breeding season. The surveys will be conducted over a two day period, within four hours of sunrise. The bird counts are planned to run from 2007 through 2009. Vegetation datum and insect abundance and diversity will also be collected.
What we are looking for in a farm
- Certified organic
- Includes row crops, small grains and/or hay fields
Role of the landowner/farmer
- Provide access to your farm
- Share your experiences
- Become involved if you have time or desire
For more information contact:
- John Quinn - jquinn2 at unl.edu
- Jim Brandle - jbrandle1 at unl.edu
