Taraghi, Mahdi

Despite extensive promotion of conservation practices in agriculture, the adoption of such measures remains low. Among these practices, cover crops are widely recognized as an effective method for reducing soil erosion, minimizing nutrient loss, and enhancing soil health. However, adoption rates of cover crops by farmers remain limited. Farmers are a heterogeneous group, varying in their motivations and constraints. Understanding these differences is crucial to addressing broader societal goals related to pro-environmental behaviors. To inform the development of more effective conservation outreach and incentive programs, this study aims to develop a typology of farmers in Indiana, a key agricultural state in the U.S. Midwest. Using survey data and multivariate analysis, we will explore latent and unobservable constructs related to conservation behavior. Through this approach, we expect to identify distinct types of farmers based on key characteristics that influence their engagement with soil conservation practices. By identifying and understanding the differences between these farmer types, we aim to provide insights for crafting more targeted and tailored conservation messages and incentives.