WHAM! CRASH! POW! KABOOM! 
I know that probably sounded like Batman and Robin, but I think what you may have heard was the court of public opinion. Just when the ag sector hoped things would quiet down in the Lake Erie Basin, farmers are actually hearing more disturbing reports of regulation.
Survey results from a new Ohio poll, funded by Healthy Lakes, were released just this week showing a majority of Ohio voters are in favor mandatory regulations on farmers to protect the state’s rivers, streams and lakes. According to the Healthy Lakes organization, “this [survey] reveals a broad desire [by Ohio voters] for the [Ohio] state government to take immediate action to stop polluted farm run-off from getting into Lake Erie and other waterways.”
In this survey 64% of Ohio residents say they prefer that “the new state standards to prevent pollution from farm run-off be mandatory, with all farmers required to meet the standards.”
“Holy strawberries Batman! We’re in a jam!” 
Who will help farmers with all of the regulations? If you have read more than a couple of my postings, you know it is clear to me. I think it must be ag retailers who help farmers.
So you are probably asking yourself, why does Tom (that’s me) declare ag retailers the anointed ones? Why do I think ag retailers are the “go to” organization? That answer is simple. Study after study demonstrates farmers implicitly trusts their ag retailers. Farmers don’t name their local extension agent as their most trusted advisor. They don’t name NGO’s like Corn Growers Association, Farm Bureau, or The Nature Conservancy as their most trusted advisor. And, they certainly don’t name conservation agencies as their most trusted advisors. Over and over, farmers name their ag retailers as their most trusted advisors.
Given this, who do you think farmers will be expecting help from when regulations hit? Yes, you got it, their ag retailers. So, if you are an ag retailer what is going to be your solution?
Holy Edison! You’re a whiz, Batman.
It is time for ag retailers to start taking this seriously. If they wait until there their customers actually face regulation they will behind the eight ball and scrambling to catch up. Ag retailers need to get involved. They need to start identifying the sustainability technology they will be using to help their farmer customers. I
Precision Conservation Needs the Easy Button
Nice idea, Tom. But as someone who is from the field management ranks of the Ag retail segment, I have some real concerns. Your reasoning is sound. Stratus Research confirms that the farmer trusts the fertilizer dealer more than the any NGO or even the Extension Service. (https://profitablegrowthservices.wordpress.com/2015/03/07/the-food-chain-3/)
But, the Crop Consultant, Agronomist or whatever title you want to give them is not in an environment conducive to such a level of service: (https://profitablegrowthservices.wordpress.com/2015/05/13/if-your-like-to-eat-this-is-for-you/)
We professionals of the retail industry would also find ourselves in situation of legal liability. If we, as employees of a retailer, write a plan and have it audited and it is found to be in non-compliance, who will pay the fine? The farmer does. But, what if the farmer has environmental insurance and turns it over to be paid by the insurance company. Now, who pays the bill? The insurance company. But, they aren’t in business to be paying fines. So, what do they do? Come back and look at who wrote the plan. The farmer will be paying the fine, no doubt. But, the insurance company will scrutinize the life and credibility of the retail agronomist to find a way to make them responsible. Truthfully, I never found we got the pay or professional recognition for such hassles, let alone the work we already did.
Yes, in my opinion, your idea is the best of any. It keeps the relationship between the dealer of choosing and the farmer alive and even stronger. It is a great opportunity. But, it is my experience, that the atmosphere of maximizing work loads for profit and competitive dominance will never allow it to happen.
It’s about time! Everyone knows that increased regulation always solves the problem. 🙂
Tim, I recognize and acknowledge your sarcasm. There is research and historical evidence to show that regulating agriculture will NOT positively impact water quality. However many people, who care about the environment, feel like they are have exhausted their options. Way too much money has been spent trying to fix the problem, with too little progress. Most are tired of waiting for agriculture to clean up there act. If agriculture is going to avoid regulation they need to accept responsibility their part and far more proactive in making a difference. I don’t think status quo will continue to be acceptable. Agriculture is looking for a way out if you have any alternatives.
After over 31 years with the NRCS and another dozen or so years with out State’s conservation districts association and the University of California, I’ve come to the conclusion that: “Agriculture does not have a technology problem, it has an adoption problem: If all the economically and environmentally viable conservation practices were adopted by farmers and ranchers, they would not have the agriculturally related natural resource problems that exist today.” This BS of farmers not trusting Extension or NRCS with providing expert guidance in conservation has gotten them in the situation that they find themselves today. Farmers are going to have to step up and stop their polluting ways if they want to avoid further regulation. Obviously not all farmers are guilty of “fouling the footpath”, but enough are that give the industry a bad reputation. Self-policing doesn’t work so what’s it going to be, Agriculture? No more excuses. No more pissing and moaning about regulations. What makes agriculture so special that they think they are exempt from cleaning up their act like everyone else? And the old saw about feeding America doesn’t cut it anymore, either. Consumers are demanding that their food be sustainably produced; and, if you don’t do it, we’ll get our food from somewhere else. Accept some personal responsibility for your actions. What other industry has entire agencies and billions of Farm Bill dollars devoted to helping them clean up their operations? Step up, clean up, or get regulated; the choice is yours.
Ron,
In my opinion, if farmers are not adopting conservation there must be something wrong with the message or the delivery system. I do think it is time for farmers to do more conservation, but I don’t understand why you are offended if farmers want got get their conservation services with from their ag retailer. As long as I can remember NRCS, and other conservation agencies, have wanted private businesses to engage in conservation. Now that they are engaging, some agency personnel feel threatened. I don’t get it. I would think everyone would be thrilled to have private business supporting conservation.