Division: ASA Section: Education and Extension

Title: On-Farm Research: I. Data Analysis & Extension Implications

Lead Community Sponsor: Extension Education Community
Cosponsor:
Community Cosponsor: Precision Agriculture Systems Community
Format: Oral Topical Session
Keywords: On-farm, Extension Data, Applied Research

Session Description: On-farm research can be a useful tool for agronomic research and extension.  On-farm research is defined here as research trials which are conducted on commercial farms, with strong farmer involvement, which use statistically sound experimental designs and analysis.  Generally, these trials are also conducted using full-size farming equipment.  On-farm research programs can also take a variety of formats ranging from peer learning groups to dispersed research groups and a variety of models in-between.  Numerous challenges are unique to doing research in an on-farm environment.  These include recruiting farmer collaborators, unexpected and uncontrollable variables, plot design, size of experimental units, and data collection and aggregation methods.  Increased availability of precision agriculture technologies has transformed the way on-farm research data is obtained and presented new opportunities for analysis and new challenges related to data quality and processing.   Traditionally, research information has been shared through scientific articles and fact sheets. Recently, new opportunities exist for sharing on-farm research results in a variety of mediums (for example, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and other applications) to reach a broader audience.  The purpose of this session is to share experiences and discover opportunities which address these unique challenges and opportunities.