Preliminary Results of MGSP 2008 Survey Center for Economic Analysis Michigan State University 29 July 2008

Sampling Frame 2400 surveys were mailed out –1200 farmers –800 rural residents –400 urban residents Undeliverable/bad addresses were minimal –18 for farm residents –66 for non-farm residents

Survey response rate (2008)

Survey response rate ( )

Distribution of 2008 sample

County of respondents (2000 & 2008)

Age of respondents (2008)

Age of Respondents ( )

Gender of respondents (2008) Male, 60.1% Female, 39.9% Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1% Male, 81.3% Female, 18.7% Urban (n=148)Rural (n=299) Farmers (n=422)

Gender of respondents ( )

Level of Education (2008)

Level of Education ( )

Race/Ethnicity (2008)

Farm operations

Farm Size ( )

Groundwater Knowledge (2000 & 2008)

Groundwater Knowledge (2008) StatementPercentage of respondents with correct answer FarmRuralUrban Groundwater in Michigan provides water to lakes and streams. (Correct) Groundwater generally follows the contours of the land surface. (Correct) Irrigation and lawn watering can affect the amount of water leaching into the ground. (Correct) Once it reaches the water table, groundwater does not move, unless pumped. (Incorrect) Water that looks clear and tastes good is safe to drink. (Incorrect)87*94*88* Just like surface water, groundwater flows downhill. (Correct) It is more cost effective to prevent pollution of groundwater than to pay for the cleanup. (Correct) 91 Less than 1% of the earth’s water is available for drinking. (Correct) An average American uses 50 gallons of water each day. (Incorrect) Groundwater in Michigan can best be described as an interconnected series of rivers, streams, and caverns. (Incorrect) 1011 It is best to apply lawn fertilizers in the spring before the grass starts to turn green. (Incorrect) Groundwater in Michigan can best be described as a wet sponge where water fills the spaces between soil particles. (Correct) Approximately 50% of Michigan’s population relies on groundwater for drinking purposes. (Correct) The Groundwater Stewardship Program is a voluntary program that helps people select practices that reduce the risk of groundwater contamination. (Correct) 63*54*52*

Groundwater Knowledge ( ) StatementPercentage of respondents with correct answer Groundwater in Michigan provides water to lakes and streams. (Correct) Groundwater generally follows the contours of the land surface. (Correct)57 65 Irrigation and lawn watering can affect the amount of water leaching into the ground. (Correct) Once it reaches the water table, groundwater does not move, unless pumped. (Incorrect) Water that looks clear and tastes good is safe to drink. (Incorrect) Just like surface water, groundwater flows downhill. (Correct)4543 It is more cost effective to prevent pollution of groundwater than to pay for the cleanup. (Correct) Less than 1% of the earth’s water is available for drinking. (Correct) An average American uses 50 gallons of water each day. (Incorrect)1617 Groundwater in Michigan can best be described as an interconnected series of rivers, streams, and caverns. (Incorrect) It is best to apply lawn fertilizers in the spring before the grass starts to turn green. (Incorrect) Groundwater in Michigan can best be described as a wet sponge where water fills the spaces between soil particles. (Correct) Approximately 50% of Michigan’s population relies on groundwater for drinking purposes. (Correct) The Groundwater Stewardship Program is a voluntary program that helps people select practices that reduce the risk of groundwater contamination. (Correct)

High risk perception of land use on groundwater (2008)

High risk perception of land use on groundwater ( )

Participation in Groundwater Programs ( )

Sources of Groundwater Information (2008)

Water supply to homes ( ) Farmers Non-Farmers

Origin of Public Water ( ) Farmers Non-Farmers

Testing of drinking water ( )

Home and Garden Practices of Non-Farmers (2000 & 2008) Undesirable Practice

Farm Management Practices of Farmers (2008) NOTE: FAS is Farm Assessment System

Farm Management Practices of Farmers (2000 & 2008) Undesirable Practices

Farmers’ Participation in NRCS Programs (2008) NOTE: NCRS is National Resources Conservation Service

Farmers’ Participation in Assessment Systems ( )

Effectiveness of Assessment Systems in providing Technical Assistance (2008)

Motivating factors for participating in Assessment Systems (2008)

Barriers to participation in Assessment Systems (2008)

Knowledge of and participation in MAEAP (2008) Familiarity with MAEAP MAEAP verified

Participation in MAEAP by Farmers familiar with MAEAP (2008) Plan to be MAEAP verified MAEAP Phase 1 Attendance

Barrier to MAEAP by Non- participating Farmers (2008)

Salient Findings Noticeable shifts in demographics –2008 sample was older –Proportion of females in farm and urban sub- samples increased substantially, but declined marginally for rural sub-sample. Small farm predominate in 2008 as opposed to large farms in 2000

Salient Findings There has been significant change in knowledge on 6 of 14 measures between 2000 and 2008 surveys –Farm residents were more likely to correctly identify MGSP –Rural residents were more likely to know that water that looks clear and tastes good is not necessarily safe for drinking Risk perception of groundwater contamination has increased dramatically since 2000

Salient Findings The inverse relationship between risk intensification and proximity to respondents’ household remains Rural and urban residents are consistent in their rating of perceived risk to groundwater from materials and land use and practices Farmers now see agricultural chemicals as constituting moderate to high impact on groundwater quality

Salient Findings Current participation in groundwater programs has declined since 2000 Groundwater stewardship practices among farmers have generally declined Farmers in any A*Syst are more likely to engage in groundwater stewardship practices Tangible incentives are good motivators for farmers’ participation in assessment systems Groundwater stewardship practices among home owners have risen