Farmers are increasingly contributing to the conservation of monarch butterflies through initiatives such as Farmers for Monarchs, helping to ensure the future of these iconic insects. Monarchs play a role in pollination by supporting ecosystems through their interactions with various flowering plants. Efforts to conserve monarchs not only benefit the butterflies but also enhance pollinator habitats that support agricultural productivity.
Monarchs, like other pollinators, help plants reproduce by transporting pollen from flower to flower. These efforts aid in maintaining diverse ecosystems, which are essential for agricultural crops and wild vegetation alike. According to Farmers for Monarchs, increasing habitat for monarchs supports various pollinators, contributing to improved yields and soil health through practices like planting diverse flowering species that bloom throughout the growing season. This creates mutual benefits for both wildlife and the farming community.
Monarch butterflies rely heavily on milkweed, both for laying their eggs and as a food source for their caterpillars. According to Matt Mulica, senior project director at the Keystone Policy Center and facilitator of Farmers for Monarchs, planting milkweed plays a critical role in maintaining the monarch population. “Most importantly, they [farmers] can plant milkweed or leave the milkweed that they have on their properties,” Mulica explained. He added that this slight effort can significantly impact monarch survival during their migration from Canada to Mexico.
While much of the focus has been on farmers in the Midwest, where 95% of monarchs pass through, the organization also highlights the importance of monarch-friendly practices in California, Arizona, and other parts of the U.S. Farmers for Monarchs works with crop associations, agribusinesses, and government entities to promote conservation practices and provide resources such as federal cost-sharing programs. Programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) offer financial support to farmers who integrate pollinator-friendly habitats into their land management plans.
Farmers around the nation are integrating pollinator-friendly practices on their lands by planting milkweed patches in non-crop areas like field borders and roadside ditches. These small-scale habitats provide essential forage for monarchs during migration and breeding. Leaving sections of land unmown—especially during peak pollination and migration seasons—helps maintain these vital habitats, benefiting not just monarchs but other pollinators such as bees and birds.
Challenges remain, including fluctuating weather patterns and changing climates that disrupt the monarchs’ migration. However, government programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) offer incentives for farmers to integrate conservation practices. These efforts help cover costs while encouraging the planting of milkweed and other nectar-rich plants.
Looking ahead, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will soon decide whether to classify monarchs as endangered or threatened, which could influence future land management policies. Regardless of the decision, Matt Mulica of the Keystone Policy Center emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum. “It’s as easy as planting milkweed,” Mulica notes, highlighting how even small contributions from farmers, landowners, and gardeners can make a lasting difference.
He says monarch conservation is about more than just butterflies—it’s about sustaining ecosystems that benefit agriculture and the environment alike.