Farm-based research allows farmers to test and judge different products and practices, in order to determine what is best suited for their individual operation. Seed and herbicide companies use biotechnology to create hybrids and varieties that have consistently high yields and strong disease resistance or tolerance. It is then important for farmers to research these products on their own land. As soil and weather conditions change, so will the viability of the products. Ongoing research is essential for farmers to produce high quality products. On our farm we routinely test and compare different seed and herbicide varieties, implement different practices and adapt in order to obtain higher yields and maximize the profit made from our land.

Each year we do test plots on different portions of our land. This form of research allows us to do a direct comparison between different seed varieties and herbicides. By doing it on our own land we can see how the different varieties work with our conditions. Test plots are beneficial because we take the knowledge learned from the plot and apply it when determining future planting. For example, when biotechnology offered the new corn Bt hybrids we chose to test it in a test plot to determine its effectiveness. In comparison with the other varieties, the Bt corn resulted in a higher yield; thus we plan on planting more of this variety this coming crop season.

In order to maximize profits, farmers must attempt to implement cost-reduction practices. Because of the growing concern about environmental degradation and the frequent lack of time, we began to use the no-till seed drill approximately four years ago. Instead of wasting the money on a product that wasn’t beneficial, we chose to have a smaller portion of soybeans, wheat and corn custom no-tilled. During the growing season, the crops were closely compared to the rest of our crops. Costs and benefits were weighed against one another and as a result of this research we saw that no-tilling wheat and soybeans proved to obtain as high of yields as the tillage crops, with less work. At this point we purchased a no-till drill to use in coming years.

Sometimes, as much can be learned from poor results as positive results. Through our no-tilling research, no-tilling corn proved to be unsuccessful on our land. Thus, we chose not to use this method on a large portion of our land. If farmers can see the advantages and disadvantages of different practices on small portions of their land, they can then apply their results appropriately. This way in the case of a poor result, the farm will not suffer a major loss.

It is important that on the farm research is shared throughout the community and even to other provinces so that other people can learn by the results. Throughout the crop season, plot tours are held on our farm which allow other local farmers to judge and learn from different products and methods. My dad also visits other farms to see the research that they have done, hoping to learn something from it as well.

A successful farmer is a life-long learner. One must change at the same speed that technology is changing in order to keep up with the latest innovations. It is obvious that agriculture has made some drastic changes through generations. Farming is now a high-tech, innovative occupation. Farmers are now able to produce higher yields more efficiently; which is essential to support the world’s growing population.

Many studies being done on farms lead to advancements in agriculture. On the farm research allows farmers to test and judge products, and apply them so that they can reach their highest potential of production. Farm based research is the bridge between farming of today and the farming of the future.