Study: 55% would enroll in carbon markets

WLJ Jun. 19, 2025 1 minute read 2 comments

Study: 55% would enroll in carbon markets — Soil structure of the hay ground that was rested shows an old layer of grass that preserves carbon during drought.
Jasper Gibson Creative

A University of Wyoming study found that a slight majority of ranchers (55%) would be willing to participate in carbon market programs.

While awareness of these programs was relatively high, the most commonly cited barrier to participation was reluctance to enter long-term contracts. Other concerns included insufficient financial compensation, mistrust of the carbon market and unwillingness to enroll land in conservation easements.

Ranchers in Colorado, Texas, Nebraska and North Dakota showed the highest willingness to enroll. Younger producers and those with haying operations or more private land were more likely to express interest in joining the program.

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2 Comments

SubscriberInvertebrate
June 21, 2025
This is a unique idea, but I don't understand what the old layer of hay in the field represents; is that the stubble left after harvesting? If so, how does that qualify as credit? In the soil, saprophytic bacteria metabolize and consume lignin and hemicellulose, releasing CO2 and methane gas. Greenhouse gas credits are currently uncertain in the United States, as there is no global standard that can be quantified and traded. The risk would be long-term contracts and changes in regulations, as much cleanup needs to be done on regulating GHG emissions and credits
Reply to Invertebrate
Dennis Williams
June 26, 2025
The problem with the carbon market is it's controlled by the UN Climate Change and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) with political standards.. We need USDA certified carbon credits (with rational standards) that all ranchers and farmers can qualify for. Then make these credits eligible for CCC Loans. Owners hold the credits until a viable buyer is found. If no buyers, credits revert to USDA/US Govt after 5 years and are used to off set government CO2 emissions. Loan rates at $25 per credit vs $50-75 market rates. But we hold and control the credits until we decide to sell them. Credits issued each year we use conservation practices, $15-50 per acre per year. Fair and rational. No long term contracts, paid per ton, paid for real results.
Reply to Dennis Williams