Aaron esser2012
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This document discusses how on-farm testing (OFT) remains an important tool for extension agents and growers to address production issues, despite changes in the agricultural landscape. While tools and equipment have advanced, the core OFT process has stayed the same - identifying issues, establishing replicated trials on farms, collecting and analyzing data, and sharing results. Larger modern farm equipment and guidance technologies have made establishing and maintaining OFT plots more efficient. Data analysis software and digital outreach methods now complement field days and publications to disseminate findings to broader audiences rapidly.
Aaron esser2012
- 1. ON-FARM TESTING IN TODAY’S ENVIRONMENT Esser,* A.D. 1 1 Extension Agronomist, Washington State University Extension, Lincoln-Adams Area, Ritzville, Washington 99169 Abstract The value of on-farm testing (OFT) has long been documented within Extension, and it remains an important method to help growers solve production issues in today’s environment. It also continues to be a great tool for Extension Agents to connect with growers’ one-on-one or in small groups and really be aware of issues growers are facing. One thing that has not changed over time is that OFT is not research managed small plots on farms, nor is it a single strip or split field comparison. It is a replicated, statistically valid research with field trials established and managed by the growers with field scale equipment. With the need to get bigger and the incorporation of technology, grower’s field scale equipment and efficiencies have changed rapidly over the past few years. Guidance systems, variable rate controls, grain yield monitors, semi trucks, and bank-out wagons are just a few examples that have changed the landscape of traditional OFT. Living in today’s “information age” has also impacted OFT with the need for more rapid accurate results to keep up in this ever changing environment. The tools and equipment have changed in today’s environment, but the OFT process remains the same; identifying the production issue to address, project funding, on-farm trial establishment, plot maintenance, data collection, data analysis, and outreach. On-Farm Testing Data Analysis and Outreach Why Utilize On-Farm Testing? • Many software packages are available for analyzing OFT data. Statistix™ 9 is one that is compatible with Excel spreadsheets • The value of on-farm testing (OFT) has long been documented within and allows for quick and accurate analysis. Extension, and it remains an important method to help growers solve • Field days, grower meeting presentations and OFT publications are still extremely important to extend OFT results. production issues in today’s rapidly changing environment. • Web and social media have quickly become an important method to disseminate OFT results to expanded audiences. • It is a great tool for Extension Agents to connect with growers’ one-on-one or in small groups and really be aware of issues facing growers. Wsu Extension OFT have been instrumental in helping growers minimize @AaronEsser1 wireworm crop damage in wheat QR Code to our Ritzville, WA · Web Page…try it production across eastern Washington. http://www.lincoln-adams.wsu.edu/agriculture/index.html 1-ton pickup used to collect OFT plot grain weights Harvesting On-Farm Tests • This system has a 100 bu tote mounted on the back of a 1-ton flat bed dually pickup, and is equipped with a NORAC weigh system with ½ lb. accuracy. The unloading spout is high enough to reach into semi grain trailers and bank-out wagons. The system is equipped with a Defining On-Farm Testing 14 hp Honda motor to power the hydraulic system. • OFT is not research managed small plots on farms, nor is it a single strip or split field comparison. It is replicated, statistically valid research. • Field trials are established and managed by the growers with field scale equipment. Establishing On-Farm Tests Tractor with guidance system establishing OFT • Guidance systems have saved time flagging out and squaring up OFT. • Most flagging is used for subsequent data collection including stand establishment and grain yield. • Distance can also be estimated using this technology. This OFT is a randomized complete block design with 5 treatments and 4 replications. Each plot is 34 feet wide and 1,000 feet long. On-Farms Today On-Farm Testing Methods Today • Grower’s field scale equipment and efficiencies • OFT methods and equipment have quickly evolved to efficiently establish plots, have changed rapidly over the past few years collect and analyze data, and deliver effective outreach in today’s “information with larger equipment and the incorporation of age”. technology. • Guidance systems have been very useful establishing OFT, especially in varied • Guidance systems, variable rate controllers, terrain. grain yield monitors, semi trucks, and bank-out • Grain yield monitors have not replaced weighing each individual plot for most wagons are just a few examples. traditional OFT. This may change in the near future. Combine with guidance and grain yield monitor Semi truck and bank-out wagon