A New Paradigm for On-farm Research in Kansas.
(A08-schmidt601328-oral)
Authors:
J. Schmidt* - Kansas State University R. Taylor - Kansas State University T. Kastens - Kansas State University K. Dhuyvetter - Kansas State University S. Staggenborg - Kansas State University
Abstract:
Varied and rapidly changing cropping systems concurrent with diminishing ag. research budgets results in a demand for crop production research not easily met with the traditional experiment field approach.
Our objective is to demonstrate the potential for collaborative research in which scientists and producers contribute more equally as partners in an effective research team. The Kansas Agricultural Research Association (KARA), representing producers, the service industry, and scientists, facilitates among its members the relationships for successful on-farm research. KARA appears similar to many producer organizations, sponsoring an annual 2-day conference, multiple 1-day workshops, and multiple field tours. However, the interaction among members of this group is innovative, as
demonstrated by: internal funding for in-house research projects, joint collaboration between producers and scientists in developing in-house proposals, day-long workshops on topics such as multivariate regression, up-front producer commitment to competitive research proposals, rapid technological adoption among service industry members, and new consulting opportunities among members. The success of this new ag. research paradigm relies on combining the analytical and knowledge resources of scientists with the technological, labor, and land resources available to producers and the service industry.
Speaker Information: John Schmidt, Kansas State University, 2004 Throckmorton Plant Sci. Cntr., Manhattan, KS 66505-5501; Phone: 785 532 7211; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Tuesday, November 4, 2003, 12:55 PM-5:55 PM Presentation Start: 1:15 PM
