Research on the Farm (ROTF)

Objective

The purpose of this project is to quantify the agronomic and economic impacts of a reduced and an increased targeted plant stand of normal seeding rate in Winter Wheat.

 Summary

• The grower will seed their normal seeding rate in 4 strips, alternating with 4 strips each of a lower and a higher seeding rate.
• The width of a strip must be at least as wide as a complete combine pass, preferably wider. The harvested length should not be less than 1,000 feet.
• The alternating strips of the wheat seeding rates can be planted by using GPS to plant every other strip with one seeding rate and then filling in the skipped passes with the second seeding rate.
• Take a seed sample from the seeder (about ½ an ice cream bucket).
• Harvesting must ensure at least one “pure” combine pass from each treatment (no mixing yields from two different treatments).

Grower Requirements

• Supply information (if unknown before seeding) on location, seeding dates, variety, and treatments etc. by September 30
• Area containing waterways and headlands should be avoided. All other factors in the trial must be managed the same (planting date, variety, etc.).
• If possible, accurately record where all the treatments were applied using GPS mapping equipment.
• All strips must be harvested on the same day.
• 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.
• Contractors authorized to conduct this trial on behalf of MCA are:
  • Tone Ag Consulting

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.