By Scout Nelson
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Bureau of Sociological Research (BOSR) is playing a key role in shaping agricultural policy and research. With decades of survey expertise, BOSR collects valuable data from producers across wide and rural geographies. Their work helps guide agricultural practices, state efforts, and national policy decisions.
Over the past year, BOSR partnered on projects covering grazing, soil health, women in agriculture, precision farming, and grain marketing. BOSR's input was essential for a recent USDA-funded survey focused on ranchers’ views about new grassland conservation policies under the Conservation Reserve Program.
“Once published, this is going to be one of the very first studies to look at the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program, because this is a relatively new program under the Conservation Reserve Program,” said Simanti Banerjee, professor of agricultural economics. “The nuanced information is very valuable, both from a research perspective, but also from a practical contract design perspective for the policymaker.”
She added that surveying agricultural producers is complex and praised BOSR’s guidance. “They bring their own survey methodological expertise to the table, and they will guide us. Their openness to impart that knowledge to us also builds my own capacity and helps me deploy projects in a timely fashion.”
In the 2024–25 project year, BOSR reached four key agricultural groups using mail, email, and phone surveys. These included surveys on grain marketing, grazing and conservation programs, precision nitrogen use, and women’s experiences in agriculture.
Since 1964, BOSR has supported researchers with mail, web, phone, and in-person surveys. Acting as a complete research hub, they continue to be strong partners for agricultural advancement.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-fstop123
Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy