Reach Farmers Faster
Region
Great Plains and Midwestern U.S.Timeline
2022-presentAudience
Conservation professionalsContact
Deborah Carter McCoyEnvironmental Initiative and Trust In Food™ have developed a research-backed approach to farmer and rancher engagement — and a suite of tools and workshops to help conservation professionals put it into practice.
Our work centers on a five-step process for designing outreach that meets producers where they are. That process, along with data and insights from our campaigns, is available through the Reach Farmers Faster website. This tool includes parallel tracks for farmer and rancher engagement, drawing on case studies from the Midwest and from North and South Dakota respectively.
Work with us
We offer in-person workshops for conservation professionals who want to deepen their practice around farmer and rancher engagement. These three-hour, hands-on sessions walk participants through our data-driven approach and include activities you can apply directly to your own outreach, so you leave with something you can put to work immediately.
Workshops are designed for groups of up to 40 and can be paired with a larger event or coordinated across organizations. Pricing varies based on attendance, length, and location.
Ready to bring a workshop to your team? Contact Deborah Carter McCoy to set up a 30-minute exploratory call.
Research from the field
In 2025, we conducted a first-of-its-kind national study examining the costs, barriers, and opportunities in connecting farmers and ranchers with conservation programs. The study found that staffing gaps and misaligned funder-implementor relationships — not lack of farmer interest — are the primary barriers to enrollment. We hope the findings will shape how funders and implementors work together going forward. Read the full findings→
Deborah Carter McCoy
Senior Partnership and Communications Director she/her Office: 612-334-3388 ext. 8106 Cell: 651-707-6254
Jasmine Baxter
Senior Communications Manager they/them Office: 612-334-3388 ext. 8116 Cell: 612-430-7134
Jaycie Thomsen
Associate Partnership Director she/her Office: 612-334-3388 ext. 8109 Cell: 763-218-6698Reach Farmers Faster news
National study addresses costs, barriers, and opportunities in connecting farmers, ranchers with conservation programs
What does it really take to connect farmers with conservation programs? A first-of-its-kind national study examines the capacity, resources, and partnerships shaping enrollment today.
From mailbox to mobile: Reaching farmers through the right channels
Curious about which communications channels really connect with farmers? Our partnership with Trust in Food™ shows how aligning outreach with farmer values drives strong communications campaign performance and conservation action.
Five steps to reach farmers faster (and more effectively)
With conservation agriculture budgets tighter than ever, your outreach can't afford to miss the mark. In five clear steps, we’ll show you how to set clear goals, speak your farmers’ language, pick the right channels, and measure your wins.
Our Partners and Funders
