Crop advisors in the intermountain west and the challenges of soil health

Both agricultural lands and the role of crop advisors remain comparatively understudied in the Intermountain West (IMW) when it comes to the topic of soil health. Data from a survey of crop advisors in Utah is used to understand current and future soil health work in the region. Not all crop advisors engage in soil health work, but more are discussing it with clients than in the past. Respondents noted that information and costs are key barriers for farmers to managing soil health. Advisors also do not always feel they have the information and answers about soil health practices that farmers need. While crop advisors are one option for promoting producer understanding about soil health in the IMW, work is needed to better prepare them, and farmers will need other options and support to be successful in managing soil health. Core Ideas Not all crop advisors in Utah do soil health work with clients, but more do than in the past. Advisors noted barriers to soil health practice adoption, including information and costs. Utah crop advisors feel they need more regional data to be able to better advise farmers. Crop advisors and farmers do not use all of the same information sources on soil health.