For decades, conservation has been approached through providing monetary incentives to individual farmers, with success being a measurement of acres enrolled or the number of best management practices (BMPs) installed. However, as the health of Lake Erie continues to decline there are growing calls for a paradigm shift. This two part study explored the use of subsurface water quality data as a feedback mechanism for increasing farmer awareness of nutrient loss issues specific to their farm, as well as to better assist them in adjusting farm practices that could lead to more positive water quality outcomes. In part one, three farmers, whose land contributed a total of five tile drains to be studied, were given summaries of their water quality reports from the year 2017 and part of 2018. In-depth interviews revealed that access to field specific data led to greater awareness of nutrient loss occurring on the farm, and ultimately led to discussions regarding how they could better address those losses. In part two, a survey was administered at a farmer-led meeting to gain insights regarding the perceived usefulness and need for this information. Results indicated significant interest in having access to water quality data, as well as a high likelihood that farmers would use this information to reach environmental goals through changing practices. This study demonstrates the potential of using subsurface water quality data as a source of feedback to move from practice-based to outcome based methods, and assist farmers in making land management adjustments that will ultimately lead to improved environmental outcomes.
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