<b>GROWTH EXPECTATIONS AND THE ADOPTION OF CONSERVATION PRACTICES AMONG ROW CROP FARMS IN THE MIDWEST</b>

<p dir="ltr">Sustainable farming is crucial for the Midwestern U.S. future; yet, the adoption of conservation practices remains limited, despite well-documented environmental and economic benefits. This study examines how farm growth expectations influence both the number and types of conservation practices adopted by Midwest row crop farmers, with a focus on those operating larger and more technologically advanced farms. The research framework centers on how growth expectations and economic outlook influence conservation adoption, hypothesizing that farms anticipating expansion or succession are more willing to invest in long-term practices. The study also explores how the co-adoption of multiple practices and operational synergies can enhance both financial and environmental benefits. Using survey data from 553 producers collected in 2024–2025, we apply Poisson and logistic regression models to analyze adoption patterns for nutrient management, no tillage, cover crops, and water management, with reduced tillage assessed separately as a transitional practice. Results show that farms with moderate or high growth expectations are significantly more likely to adopt multiple conservation practices, especially nutrient management. In contrast, growth expectations have a more limited influence on other practices. Robust co-adoption effects also emerge: adopting one practice—particularly nutrient management, cover crops, or water management—increases the likelihood of adopting others, reflecting a systems-thinking approach. These findings suggest that expansion-oriented, technologically advanced farms prioritize practices with immediate benefits, and that broader adoption of other practices may require overcoming additional barriers and leveraging operational synergies. While results are limited to larger, more technologically advanced farms, this study clarifies the link between economic outlook, co-adoption, and conservation behavior, offering practical guidance for accelerating sustainable agriculture in the Midwest.</p>