Database Research Summaries2018 Next Generation On-Farm Research Initiative
Research Focus
The focus of this project is to launch the next generation of applied farm research success using contemporary technology, tools and communication networks.
Objectives
- Soybean (and corn) producers will focus on on-farm research primarily on priorities identified by Nebraska Soybean Board and Nebraska Corn Board to enhance knowledge, implementation, and profitability of these practices. This proposal has potential to address FY18 objectives of research on seed treatments, late season soybean N applications, and in-furrow product applications.
- Soybean (and corn) producers will learn to conduct on-farm research more efficiently and prolifically using contemporary precision agriculture technologies, implementation strategies, and data management practices.
- Soybean (and corn) producers will embrace an interactive professional learning network that facilitates aco-learning environment focused on applied research that contributes to a systems approach to solving agronomic issues at the grass-roots level whereby on-farm research becomes an important, timely, powerful part of soybean (and corn) production solutions.
- Soybean (and corn) producers will benefit from a unified, collaborative applied research model supported by the Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.
Results
- Those participating in the on-farm research network were able to work with Extension Educators to learn the process and gain skills to conduct research on their own farms. Results of 2017 studies were shared at the 2017 Results Update Meetings in Feb. 2018 at 5 locations: Mead, Grand Island, Norfolk, Grant (first time location), and Alliance (first time location). A total of 162 attended the meetings, of which 34% were first time attendees.
- Those attending the annual on-farm research results update meetings reported new knowledge gain and anticipated behavior changes: -80% learned new information about crop production practices -80% learned new information about cover crops -83% learned new information about ag technologies -94% noted the relevancy of topics was good to excellent -87% noted networking opportunities were good to excellent -68% noted they plan to use the online results finder database to view research summaries.
- Those attending the annual results meetings in Feb. 2018 represented over 2.1 million row crop acres. The value of knowledge gained in anticipated practices changes averaged $14.32/acre, resulting in a total program value of $31 million.
- When asked what was best about the results update meetings, responses included the presentation style and the quality of unbiased content on specific topics. This is a unique program as the farmers participating in the research play a large role in delivering the research information. This is well received by the other farmers in attendance and is often a highlight for attendees. Research has shown this method of delivery is highly impactful and we are proud to offer a venue that delivers information in this unique way.
Importance
- This proposal will engage both current and future Nebraska soybean (and corn) producers.
- Rapidly evolving precision agriculture technologies offer great opportunity to elevate on-farm research discovery and data analysis for all producers.
- The professional learning network proposed is an intergenerational approach to moving the
soybean (and corn) industry forward.
For more information about this research project, please visit the National Soybean Checkoff Research Database.
Funded in part by the soybean checkoff.
