Faced with an uncertain future, farmers and ranchers are figuring out new ways to help protect and conserve their precious water supply.

A Watershed Moment for Montana Agriculture

A grudgingly Democratic cattle rancher doesn’t believe beef causes climate change — but proudly adds his voice to the growing chorus of “true” environmental advocates in red Montana.

Montana Rancher, Divided Country

Jisang Yu, PhD

Brittney Goodrich, PhD

A natural experiment allows us to compare the participation rates of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) insurance product. We find that the two offerings are competing with each other.

All “Conservation” Posts

A Watershed Moment for Montana Agriculture

Montana Rancher, Divided Country

The Conservation Reserve Program is Competing with Pasture Insurance for Farmer Participation