Seeing is Believing with On-Farm Research and Demonstration Test Plots
Sandra Wick - Crop Production Agent
K-State’s Research and Extension’s mission is to provide the citizens of Kansas with technical information and education that can enhance the economic viability and quality of life in our communities. One good way to do this is through well-planned and carefully-conducted demonstrations or “on-farm research” that serves as one of the most effective Extension education tools ever developed. Although complete demonstrations require considerable time and effort, the payback comes when producers readily adapt practices they perceive to be appropriate under local conditions. This is known as “seeing is believing.” Clients who observe demonstrations of the latest techniques or practices and then apply them to their own particular situations are our present and future Extension leaders. Demonstrations should illustrate the application of appropriate technology, that is, technology that fits the local set of conditions. When this occurs, the maximum learning will result from the resources invested.
The need for demonstrations was first recognized over a century ago by Seaman A. Knapp, an
Extension pioneer. Knapp’s theory was that farmers would not change their methods as a result of observing farms operated at public expense, but that demonstrations conducted by farmers themselves on their own farms under ordinary farm conditions were the answer. In Knapp’s words, “What a man hears, he may doubt; what he sees, he may also doubt; but what he does, he cannot doubt.” In 1903, Knapp proved his point through now famous demonstrations or on-farm research. The demonstration included a small farm in Texas that planted half in corn and half in cotton. The purpose was to illustrate the effects of using different seed varieties, fertilizers, methods of planting, and cultivation. The farmer made $700 more than might have been expected and the demonstration was a success. Then the opportunity came to use demonstrations on a broad scale in the weevil-infested areas of Texas and two adjoining states. Knapp demonstrated improved cotton growing methods. With a $40,000 budget, he directed more than 20 federal agents who worked with some 7,000 farmers to establish demonstration plots. This marked the beginning of demonstrations in the Cooperative Extension Service.
Post Rock Extension District is very fortunate to have many producers who are willing to put in the extra time and effort for on-farm research or demonstration test plots. For this fall, we are fortunate to have four wheat demonstration plots across the district. Thanks to Calvin and Josh Bohnert, Marty Fletchall, Theron Haresnape, and Rick Mans as cooperators of the “on-farm wheat research for K-State Research and Extension and for the Post Rock District! Three of the wheat plots (Jewell, Osborne and Smith) include between 25-28 varieties, blends and population studies. The fourth plot (Mitchell) is a KSU replicated plot that is designed and was planted by the KSU NW Extension and Experiment Field staff.
An additional sensor-based N fertility study (4th year) (Smith County) will be done in the Post Rock District addressing the application rates and dates for the most efficient nutrient uptake. Two
additional research plots have been collaborated with KSU Agronomy including a wheat phosphorus (P) study (Osborne County) along with a study looking at some of the newer urea type products such as ESN polymer coated urea, and NBPT coated urea (Mitchell County) to see if they offer any improvements in safety when placed with the seed. There are three urea sources and four different rates being used in the study.
“Knowledge for Life” continues to be our goal for K-State Research and Extension, so our educational programming provides research-based information from the university to the producers of our district.
K-State’s Research and Extension’s mission is to provide the citizens of Kansas with technical information and education that can enhance the economic viability and quality of life in our communities. One good way to do this is through well-planned and carefully-conducted demonstrations or “on-farm research” that serves as one of the most effective Extension education tools ever developed. Although complete demonstrations require considerable time and effort, the payback comes when producers readily adapt practices they perceive to be appropriate under local conditions. This is known as “seeing is believing.” Clients who observe demonstrations of the latest techniques or practices and then apply them to their own particular situations are our present and future Extension leaders. Demonstrations should illustrate the application of appropriate technology, that is, technology that fits the local set of conditions. When this occurs, the maximum learning will result from the resources invested.
The need for demonstrations was first recognized over a century ago by Seaman A. Knapp, an
Post Rock Extension District is very fortunate to have many producers who are willing to put in the extra time and effort for on-farm research or demonstration test plots. For this fall, we are fortunate to have four wheat demonstration plots across the district. Thanks to Calvin and Josh Bohnert, Marty Fletchall, Theron Haresnape, and Rick Mans as cooperators of the “on-farm wheat research for K-State Research and Extension and for the Post Rock District! Three of the wheat plots (Jewell, Osborne and Smith) include between 25-28 varieties, blends and population studies. The fourth plot (Mitchell) is a KSU replicated plot that is designed and was planted by the KSU NW Extension and Experiment Field staff.
An additional sensor-based N fertility study (4th year) (Smith County) will be done in the Post Rock District addressing the application rates and dates for the most efficient nutrient uptake. Two
“Knowledge for Life” continues to be our goal for K-State Research and Extension, so our educational programming provides research-based information from the university to the producers of our district.
