Potential Supply of Midwest Cropland for Conversion to In-Field Prairie Strips

Prairie strips planted into crop fields offer multiple environmental benefits. This study estimates the willingness of U.S. farmers to convert 5% their largest corn-soybean field prairie in exchange for payment. Using stated preference results estimate land supply, we find that 20% are willing adopt at payments equivalent average Conservation Reserve Program rental rates, corresponding potential conversion 90,000 acres on 1.8 million cropland. Farmers likelier smaller and when they perceive will benefit quality or agricultural productivity.