In many cases, cost share programs and other conservation programs are available to help offset the establishment costs and may provide annual payments for acres planted to the windbreak. If these programs are available, the returns from a field windbreak investment would be even higher. Although hard to quantify, wind erosion control, wildlife habitat and carbon storage provide additional economic values. Financial benefits for specialty crops such as fruits and vegetables are even higher. These crops are much more sensitive to microclimate conditions and thus tend to respond more positively than grain crops to wind protection.
Producers can expect premium prices for higher quality produce and for earliness to market.
In both of these examples, the magnitude of the dollar return is highly dependent on the wholesale price at the time of harvest. Another important economic benefit of field windbreaks is the opportunity for a greater diversity in crop choice. Because of the microclimate created by the windbreak, a producer may be able to choose from a wider range of crops. Greater crop diversity reduces the risks of growing only one crop and has the potential to increase natural control of insect pests and contribute to the ecological stability and resilience of the farm ecosystem. A windbreak also contributes to greater habitat diversity, providing homes for a wider range of microbes, insects, plants and wildlife.