Research on the Farm (ROTF)

Objective

The purpose of this project is to quantify the agronomic and economic impacts of new barley varieties released within the last 2 years.

 Summary

• The grower will plant a check variety of AAC Synergy or AAC Connect (malt) or CDC Austenson (Feed) along with a maximum of two new varieties that have been released in the last 2 years. The growers can mix malt and feed varieties if they wish but it is recommended to use Austenson as a check in these scenarios.
• The grower will manage their crop as per their normal best management practices.
• The grower will seed each variety in alternating strips in the field so that each variety has 4 strips in total.
• Strips should be full length of the field (minimum 1000 ft.) and width to allow for a full “pure
  pass with combine header.

Grower Requirements

• Accurately record soil test results, variety, seeding date and rate, previous cropping history (rotation, fertilizer rates), tillage practices, fertilizer rates and application timing.
• Accurately record where all treatments are within the field.
• Note any significant weather events throughout the growing season, such as high winds, hail, or extreme precipitation events.
• Areas containing waterways and headlands should be avoided. All other factors in the trial area must be treated the same.
• Alert trial coordinator of expected harvest date and ensure all treatments are harvested the same day into a weigh wagon/calibrated grain cart, and that grain samples can be secured for seed moisture and seed quality analysis.
• Allow MCA to use data for research, educational and information purposes.
• Must be a member in good standing with the MCA.

3rd Party Contractor Partners:

• MCA utilizes third party agronomic contractor services to assist and run on-farm trials.
• MCA will cover the cost of these services, there is no cost to the participant

MCA and Partners agree to:

• Be available during seeding and harvesting.
• Take various measurements, including stand establishment, height, lodging and crop maturity.
• Provide a report analyzing the statistical and economical treatment differences.
• Keep data in a confidential manner that cannot be linked back to the individual grower by other parties.

Benefits to Growers:

• Access to the latest research that can be applied to their farm.
• Determine profitability of the practices.
• Learn accepted on-farm testing procedures.