New Tool Estimates Potential Long-Term Costs & Benefits of Adopting Soil Health Practices

Michelle Perez shares more about the American Farmland Trust’s resource to help farmers and producers plan soil health improvements.

SILVER SPRINGS, Md. (RFD-TV) — Farmers continue to seek ways to improve soil health while maintaining profitability, and new tools are emerging to help guide those decisions. American Farmland Trust has released an online tool designed to estimate the long-term costs and benefits of adopting soil health practices.

Michelle Perez with the American Farmland Trust joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss their new tool and the impact of soil health management strategies.

In her interview with RFD-TV News, Perez explained the basics of soil health, distinguishing between poor and good soil conditions. She highlighted how practices such as cover crops, no-till farming, and nutrient management can improve soil structure, water retention, and overall productivity.

Perez also discussed the economic benefits of adopting these practices, noting that improvements in soil health can increase crop yields and reduce input costs, delivering both environmental and financial returns for farmers. Finally, she introduced the new predictive soil health economic calculator, explaining how it works, which crops it applies to, and how farmers can use it to make informed decisions about implementing soil health practices on their operations.

To learn more, visit: www.farmlandinfo.org

Related Stories
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney talks about the U.S. House’s latest vote to roll back tariffs on Canada and the ongoing discussions surrounding North American trade.
AFBF Economist Samantha Ayoub discusses the latest data on Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings and what the troubling trend signals for the farm economy. At the same time, bigger loans and higher rates are squeezing working capital and increasing financial risk.
Chef and influencer Marcia Smart joined us to discuss Italian-inspired beef dishes, nutrition for active lifestyles, and how global events shape home cooking.
Farm numbers still favor small operations, but production, resilience, and risk management are increasingly concentrated among fewer, larger farms.
American Farmland Trust shares guidance, research, and policy solutions to help farmers navigate the growing threat of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” contaminating U.S. farmland.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss winter safety reminders and preparedness.
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman discusses farmer sentiment, land values, and how global and financial pressures are shaping decision-making in the ag land market.
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association discusses the EPA’s new decision on over-the-top Dicamba and what it means for growers this year.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The three-point plan was announced during remarks at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
According to the most recent version of the Household Food Security Report for 2022-2023, food insecurity is on the rise in the U.S.
Let’s meet an inspiring young farmer leading the Tennessee FFA this year, but now has his sights set on the National stage.
Cindy Kovar with AgriSafe joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about road safety and agriculture as we age.
USMEF CEO Dan Halstrom joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report for his analysis on the U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, which includes big bucks for U.S. Beef.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.