1. CROP*A*Syst A confidential, voluntary risk assessment of field- based management practices

2. Links two environmental programs

3. Same recommendations MGSP groundwater protection MAEAP environmental assurance Michigan Right to Farm guidelines MSU Extension and NRCS Industry supported practices

4. Farm*A*Syst vs. Crop*A*Syst Farm Headquarters Field-based activities

5. Crop*A*Syst Based on… Right to Farm guidelines State and Federal environmental laws Consistency among MAEAP system Applies to all cropping systems Crop specific management practices +

6. Crop*A*Syst Now available Field crops Corn Soybeans Wheat Sugar beets Vegetables Nursery crops and Christmas trees Tree and Small fruit Greenhouse

7. Why do a Crop*A*Syst? Your family & neighbor’s health Protect farm value Demonstrate good stewardship Foster positive community and neighbor relationships “Good faith effort” liability protection MGSP cost-share and incentive payment CSP readiness - records

8. Format Risk questions & answers Answers classified… Low – Medium – High Risks Conformance with RTF guidelines Illegal practices Required level for MAEAP verification

9. Example risk question How often are fields tested for nutrient levels?

10. Example answers

11. Records needed for verification Field names or maps Acres in cropped portions of the fields Up-to-date soil test reports Or, a schedule to bring all test up-to- date.

12. CROP*A*Syst Contents Nutrient management General mgt practices Nitrogen Phosphorus Manure Bio-solids Soil and water conservation Environmentally sensitive areas

13. Contents (continued) Pest management General pest mgt practices Pesticide application Water use Crop specific management practices Corn Soybeans and alfalfa Wheat Potato Sugar beet Vegetables Pasture Management Irrigation management Other environmental risks

14. Cropping System Improvement Action Plan Identified high or medium risk practices Planned lower risk management practices Timelines Immediately Future

15. Crop*A*Syst 40-79 risk questions 2-4 hours depending on complexity of farm Implementation schedule Additional time to assemble/review records Any record system okay

16. Re-certification Credits 4 credits Completed with a trained individual  Groundwater Technician Private or commercial pesticide applicator 12 re-certification credits (private) required in 3 years

17. Cropping System verification

18. To get started… Contact your Groundwater Technician Conservation District MSU Extension