WASHINGTON, D.C. — Farmers and ranchers across the United States have a unique opportunity to shape the future of agricultural sustainability by joining a sweeping national study. The Ag Resilience Coordinated Agricultural Project (RCAP) is currently recruiting a spring cohort of producers to help researchers understand how real-world management practices impact soil health and farm-scale resilience.
The study, a multi-state collaboration led by land-grant universities including Michigan State, Penn State, and Cornell, seeks to identify strategies that shield producers from the dual threats of extreme weather and market fluctuations.
While many U.S. agricultural systems are currently dominated by annual cropping—which can be vulnerable to nutrient runoff and soil loss—research from the RCAP network highlights the potential of diverse systems.
The study focuses on the benefits of:
- Perenniality: Incorporating crops that live for multiple years to anchor soil.
- Diversification: Rotating diverse species to break pest cycles and improve biology.
- Circular Systems: Integrating livestock and forage to enhance nutrient cycling.
By contributing real-world data, participants help build the national dataset needed to translate these scientific theories into practical, profitable recommendations for the everyday farmer.
How to Participate: Requirements and Benefits
The project is open to a wide range of operations, including row crops, forages, livestock, fruits, vegetables, and agroforestry. To qualify, operations must sell at least $1,000 in agricultural products annually.
The Process:
- Online Survey: Complete a detailed questionnaire (estimated 1–2 hours) regarding 2024 management practices, yields, and inputs.
- Soil Sampling: Use a provided free testing kit and prepaid mailing envelope to send a soil sample from your “best field” to a partner testing lab this spring.
The Rewards:
- Free Soil Health Report: Receive professional analysis of your soil’s biological and chemical health.
- Monetary Compensation: Participants receive a Visa gift card (stipend) as a thank-you for their time and expertise.
- Confidentiality: All individual data remains strictly confidential; results are only shared in aggregate.
Interested producers must act quickly, as the recruitment window is brief.
| Key Milestone | Date |
| Application/Survey Deadline | April 30, 2026 |
| Soil Sampling Window | Spring 2026 |
| Project Close | Once necessary response quotas are reached |
How to Join
Producers can access the grower survey and registration forms through the official RCAP website or via their local land-grant university extension office. For specific inquiries, the project coordinates through Michigan State University contact: Kim Cassida at cassida@msu.edu.
By joining this growing national network, farmers aren’t just receiving a free soil test—they are helping design the decision-support tools and outreach programs that will define the next generation of American agriculture.
Are you currently using any perennial forages or cover crops on your operation, or are you looking to start?
