Research on the Farm (ROTF)

Objective

The purpose of this project is to quantify the impact of Avian Control as a deterrent for Blackbirds in sunflower.

*Note: Avian Control was approved for minor use in August 2025 for a period of 1 year. Subsequent trials are dependent on renewal of use approval.

 Summary

• The grower will plant either a confection or oil type sunflower hybrid.
• The grower will manage their crop as per their normal best management practices.
• The grower will apply Avian Control to 4 strips for a deterrent for blackbirds, alternating with untreated strips. An example is shown on the right.
• 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 Avian Control product for strips to be treated.
• 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.