Enhancing the Efficiency of Farmer Research: From Vacuum Silage to Manure Stockpiling to Biostimulants.
(A08-johnson771685-poster)
Authors:
S.E. Johnson* - Univ. of Connecticut T.F. Morris - Univ. of Connecticut W. Smith - NRCS-Connecticut R. Meinert - Univ. of Connecticut S.F. Herbert - Univ. of Massachusetts M. Hashemi - Univ. of Massachusetts
Abstract:
Farmers independently develop new techniques and evaluate practices all the time. Many farmer tests and trials are not replicated, and the results are not conclusive. In southern New England, Farmer Research Groups allow farmers to conduct research systematically on their own farms. Groups meet by conference call or face-to-face. Farmers formulate questions, decide what data to gather, and
implement trials. Scientists help design statistically valid multi-farm trials, analyze data, and provide resources. Groups enhance technology development and communication, accelerating applied research and extension. This is important because farmers are increasingly isolated and agricultural research and extension resources are increasingly scarce. The approach helps scientists set priorities. Farmers gain a better understanding of the complexities of research and scientists gain perspective on the dynamics of farming systems. The results create a basis for discussion of difficult environmental and production issues. A manure stockpiling group's findings have led to new research proposals, while a hen manure group is challenging university recommendations. Another group is testing a fish emulsion amendment. A group evaluating long cut vacuum grass silage has redesigned a forage chopper to compare with
specially designed equipment. Farmer Research Groups give farmers and their advisors a mechanism to reconcile observations, traditions, and new recommendations.
Speaker Information: Sue Ellen Johnson, Univ. of Connecticut, New England Small Farm Institute Box 937, Belchertown, MA 01007; Phone: 413-323-4531; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Wednesday, November 5, 2003, 8:00 AM-10:00 AM Presentation Start: 8:00 AM (Poster Board Number: 208)
