PA Farmers Actively Participate In On-Farm Soybean Research

Jul 11, 2017

As soybean producers are planting their 2017 crop, a group of Pennsylvania growers are also participating in research projects through the On-Farm Network.

The On-Farm Network research is conducted in real-world conditions on test plots planted by Pennsylvania farmers on their own farms with their own equipment to see which management practices have an appreciable impact on production. Research is being conducted at 30 different farm locations in 15 counties throughout Pennsylvania.

This year, research will focus on the following:

1. Double crop soybean response to lower seeding rate

A second double crop soybean research project will determine if the total number of pods per acre can be increased with lower plant populations.

2. Soybean response to reduced seeding rates

Some growers have suggested that lower plant stands near 75,000 may actually promote more pod development, reduce the potential for white mold and reduce seed costs, especially with full season soybeans and full season maturity soybeans. This study is designed to validate the population response at the lower end of traditional soybean seeding rates.

3.Soybean yield response to seed treatment fungicides in full season, early planted environment

Seed-applied fungicides can improve yield and plant stands under some situations. This study is designed to provide additional data on the frequency and magnitude of these responses under Pennsylvania conditions.

Click here to see more...

Video: A chain harrow is a game changer

Utilizing a rotational grazing method on our farmstead with our sheep helps to let the pasture/paddocks rest. We also just invested in a chain harrow to allow us to drag the paddocks our sheep just left to break up and spread their manure around, dethatch thicker grass areas, and to rough up bare dirt areas to all for a better seed to soil contact if we overseed that paddock. This was our first time really using the chain harrow besides initially testing it out. We are very impressed with the work it did and how and area that was majority dirt, could be roughed up before reseeding.

Did you know we also operate a small business on the homestead. We make homemade, handcrafted soaps, shampoo bars, hair and beard products in addition to offering our pasture raised pork, lamb, and 100% raw honey. You can find out more about our products and ingredients by visiting our website at www.mimiandpoppysplace.com. There you can shop our products and sign up for our monthly newsletter that highlights a soap or ingredient, gives monthly updates about the homestead, and also lists the markets, festivals, and events we’ll be attending that month.