4 Resources to help you navigate the wild west carbon market

While the carbon market space has been dubbed the Wild West, it's getting more and more settled every day. Numerous programs have already distributed payments to farmers, technologies to measure soil organic carbon are in testing, and the demand from corporations to offset their carbon emissions via agriculture has only increased.

"Today, to get into a carbon market, practice changes are key, like from a conventional-till system to a no-till or reduced-till and incorporated cover crops," explains Mariah Murphy, director of farmer and retail services at Land O'Lakes Truterra. "Those practices are pretty straightforward, but we are finding there are many misconceptions and unknowns when we start talking about how to make those transitions and to do so positively."

If you're seeking to reduce risk, something like the Truterra market access program provides you $2 per acre to explore first-time practice changes. They include cover crops or minimum tillage, which will also help position fields for future carbon market eligibility. Land O'Lakes retailers are also equipped to work with farmers, ensuring localized agronomic recommendations are close at hand.

Murphy emphasizes that you should first be farming for soil health benefits and the long-term outlook of your operation, not just to get paid for carbon.

With that in mind, below are several resources that could help on your carbon and soil health journey.

1. Natural Resources Conservation Service

For financial and technical assistance provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, visit nrcs.usda.gov. Check out the directory to get connected to your own state NRCS office, and learn the principles of soil health.

2. 4R Nutrient Stewardship

The 4Rs (right place, right time, right source, and right rate) provide a framework to achieve cropping system goals, such as increased production, increased farmer profitability, enhanced environmental protection, and improved sustainability. Learn more at nutrientstewardship.org.

3. Data Collection Tools

Utilize a yield monitor, planting maps, tillage maps, and other precision ag technology to collect data, which is usually required in carbon programs. Then, when evaluating carbon programs, find out what type of data is required, for what length of time, and who has access to it.

4. Local Expertise

No one knows your land better than you. Expand your knowledge by leaning on local resources who can provide field-level recommendations that work. That may be your agronomist, a trusted neighbor, or a connection at the university Extension office.

Whatever you decide, starting now is most important.

Leah Anderson, vice president of sales and new markets at WinField United, says, "For the first time in agriculture, we are in a position to shape the market. We can be the market developers instead of the market followers. That's really crucial for farmers and ag retailers sitting on the fence. Do you want to be told how to do this, or do you want to be on the forefront, building what carbon farming looks like for the future?"