Ep. 141 – Effects of Ag Markets on Duck Habitat w/ Dr. Mark McConnell

Agriculture is the number one reason for wetland and grassland loss in North America, but it is also a necessity, feeding the planet is a necessity and farm policy also plays a huge role in keeping duck habitat and the ducks with us. Today we visit with Dr. Mark McConnell of Mississippi State University’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture. Mark is the James C. Kennedy Endowed Chair in Upland Gamebird Ecology and Bryan Endowment for Bobwhite Restoration. His work may center around upland gamebird conservation, but his breadth of knowledge about ag policy affecting conservation for all wildlife is his real gift. Dr. McConnell is well-known for his understanding of precision agriculture and trade-offs and compliments between healthy farms and healthy wildlife populations. Join us today to learn more about how ag policy is affecting grassland and wetlands habitat across duck country USA and beyond.