On-Farm Research Opportunities For This Season

May 02, 2017

By Laura Thompson - Extension Educator

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

CROPWATCH

If you've been thinking about incorporating an on-farm research study into your operation this year, the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) has several opportunities.

On-Farm Research Opportunities For This Season

On-farm researchers Dean Stevens and Nathan Thompson are switching out corn hybrids as part of a NOFRN variety study in southeast Nebraska

A new cover crop study is evaluating corn CRM hybrids for improving cover crop establishment. The study would identify the actual on-farm yield of four comparative relative maturity (CRM) corn hybrids. For more information about this study, see the protocol, developed by Chris Proctor, weed management educator, Justin McMechan, crop protection and cropping systems specialist, Roger Elmore, cropping systems agronomist, and Angela Bastidas, graduate research assistant in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture.

The other study for which NOFRN is still seeking participants is designed in cooperation with industry to evaluate the effects of Agnition Commence Seed Treatment on corn. For more information, see the study protocol.

In addition to these studies, growers are invited to work with the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network to develop new studies or conduct an existing protocol to answer questions they were considering for their farm.

The NOFRN provides an opportunity for farmers to test a variety of products and practices, including planting population, irrigation rates, nitrogen management decision tools, seed treatments, and biological products. View more details about each study in their research protocols. New study opportunities will be posted throughout April and May, so check back frequently for more options to get involved. Additionally, you are not limited to the topics presented here. If you have another research topic in mind, Nebraska Extension cropping systems educators will work with you to design a study to address the questions that matter to you.

Source: unl.edu

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.