Credit: Monarch Collaborative

Cornell University released a study this month that found a lack of nectar sources, habitat loss and weather are impacting the dwindling Monarch butterfly population.

According to the Cornell Chronicle, researchers found problems in the butterflies’ migration from the U.S. and southern Canada to Mexico in the fall, rather than with lack of milkweed—the only food source for caterpillars in the summer.

Monarch populations have declined about 90 percent in the past two decades, with the World Wildlife Fund’s 2013 report from Mexico showing that the number of Monarch butterflies wintering there was at its lowest in 20 years. The number is measured by the amount of forest the butterflies occupy, and in 2013 the number of butterfly acres decreased from approximately seven to three.

The American Soybean Association (ASA) and other ag stakeholders are part of the Monarch Collaborative, headed by the Keystone Policy Center, which focuses on the conservation and recovery of the Monarch butterfly and works to establish best practices for farmers and landowners to aid in the conservation and sustainability of the butterfly population.

"As we move into this crop season of 2016, let us be mindful as producers we can play a major role in maintaining and establishing Monarch and pollinator habitat,” said ASA Director Wayne Fredericks, who represents ASA on the collaborative. “Be aware of existing milkweed in your non-crop areas. Please don't spray. These milkweed are critical for the survival of this species. While this new study suggests Monarchs are facing several challenges, we can do our part to ensure a sustainable population.”

The Monarch Collaborative has undertaken initial actions to benefit monarch butterflies on the agricultural landscape. In February, the collaborative rolled out several documents to help the advocacy efforts of the preservation of the monarch butterfly.

Click here for a one-page informational document.

Click here for a FAQ sheet.

Click here for a Diagram of Actions.

To learn more about the Monarch Collaborative, visit keystone.org/monarch.