When one considers the notion of "research," images of mad scientists and crazy experiments quickly come to mind. A more corporate view would probably see lab coated intellectuals in sterile laboratories or well dressed pundits scanning computerized GPS links. But to the average Joe, research means a lot more. Research, simply by trying something new, is what makes farming prosper. Infinite numbers and in-depth analyses may make corporate scale farming profitable, but everyday ingenuity is what makes the individual farmer successful.

Granted, new agricultural technology has made farming into a more efficient business. Given the world’s rapidly growing population, it’s a good thing that horse drawn ploughs and "red sky at night, farmer’s delight" weather forecasts are no longer heavily relied upon. GPS systems give farmers a good idea about the land which they are basing their livelihood on. They are able to utilize the gathered information to improve their practises.

Radar networks have made many traditional customs nearly obsolete. Chirping crickets are no longer highly respected weather forecasters. By following storm fronts and watching weather patterns, farmers can schedule their duties in harmony with the elements. Nowadays, it would probably be difficult to find a group of farmers out checking the morning dew, eager to see if they would get rain. The local Co-op weather computer often draws bigger crowds.

Reproductive research has also aided the farming community. By manipulating genes and cross breeding hybrids, newer, more viable crops have been produced by the elevator. Sprays and fertilizers have put new tricks up farmers’ proverbial coveralls.

Field crops are not the only sectors to be effectively influenced by research. Artificial insemination has produced generations of ideal livestock. By studying and observing traits and how they are passed on, farmers can match their best animals with the best that the world has to offer. No longer are farmers limited to the neighbour’s bull; artificial insemination lets farmers play an advanced Dating Game with a huge variety of eligible bachelors.

On a less formal scale though, everyday innovations made by individual farmers are what make their methods so successful. As a wise man once said, "Baler twine and wire are a farmer’s best friend."

Farmers often need to make quick decisions and can’t always access the technology that could be useful. In these situations, these farmers must use the knowledge, the research, which has proved successful in the past. When integral hinges and hangers threaten to come loose, effective fast patch jobs often become permanent fixes. A farmer can use the knowledge passed on from his predecessors, or even that which he has discovered on his own to solve the problem.

It has been said countless times that necessity is the mother of invention. This could be the motto of almost any farmer. If he sees a need for something, he can create a tool to meet that need. In earlier times, there was little a farmer could do to help a delivering mother. However, after many anxious births, agriculturalists became familiar with the birthing patterns. This knowledge was applied to create an aide which would assist countless births. Research brought forth a child which would help in deliveries for years to come. Although ragged ropes knotted to wooden handless have given way to shiny metallic pullers, the innovation is still there. The need was met by observation and application.

It is obvious that agricultural technology is necessary for the future advancement of farming. But given the value of traditions, and the heart of research and innovation, it would be a shame to lose such heritage. Research must continue, and old and new can be used to complement each other. One can’t always teach an old dog new tricks, but that old dog probably has a wealth of knowledge – knowledge that could lead to even newer tricks.