Where do you obtain information about new agricultural practices, products or technologies?
Are you concerned that some of the information is biased? Briefly explain.
Do you conduct on-farm experiments to evaluate practices/products/technologies? If so, briefly explain. (e.g., do you use replicated plots or collaborate with scientists or other farmers)
Why do you think farmers use so many products/technologies that are not recommended by university scientists?
Are you considering trying any new practices/products/technologies in 2010? If so, briefly explain. How did you learn about the practice/product/technology and why do you think it might be worth a try?
34 comments:
i obtain my information about ag. practices from my neighboring farmers and friends.
i believe that this is bias because many times the practices are based on the larger farms and corporations that have the funds to run these programs. but they are leaving the lil guy out of the picture because there is no way that smaller farmers can afford some of these practices.
i run experiments on feed rationing, how to improve my hay and pasture crop and various other experiments. i discuss my findings with area farmers.
i do not use products recommended by university scientist because many times it is not compatable with the soil type and structure that is in my area.
I plan on continuing my experiment that i am currently performing.
Male
50
wiu grad with honors
Other farmers and farm shows.
Yes, because some of the big companies put out false claims.
They get caught up in the hype of advertisement.
Maybe a light bar on the anhydrous applicator. Learned about it from other farmers and thought it might be more efficient.
55
Indiana
I obtain my info from other farmers, magazines, farm convintions; such as farm progress and farm machinery show, and some college background.
Different things work for different farmers. It all deends on ground conditions, climate, and financal background.
We as farmers are always tryiing new things to get ahead of the yield game, and make more money.
We will be planting some smart stack corn next year, not a large amount but just enough to see if it really does make a differene. The cost a bag for smart stack is out of this world, so farmers are not going to be able to plant very much of it the first coule of years.
Male
22
College associate degree/farmer
1.) Where do you obtain information about new agricultural practices, products or technologies?
From seed and chemical representatives at local FS and Helena.
2.) Are you concerned that some of the information is biased? Briefly explain.
Not really, the information should be true and I know my sales representatives personally.
3.) Do you conduct on-farm experiments to evaluate practices/products/technologies? If so, briefly explain. (e.g., do you use replicated plots or collaborate with scientists or other farmers)
We dont and some farmers have chemical plot signs next to there fields to show whats been used such as different varieties of seed corn.
4.) Why do you think farmers use so many products/technologies that are not recommended by university scientists?
They may not be EPA safe.
5.) Are you considering trying any new practices/products/technologies in 2010? If so, briefly explain. How did you learn about the practice/product/technology and why do you think it might be worth a try?
No, we are not.
58
Male
Farmer
College Graduate
I get information from my seed dealer and chemical dealer.
Yeh, it is bias because it's whatever the chemical companies want to sell.
No, I do not conduct on-farm experiments.
We do use things recommended by university scientists when it's appropriate.
No, I'm not considering trying any new practices in 2010.
45
Male
Farmer
Junior College
From the Farm Bureau and farm magazines such as Prairie Farmer and Successful Farmer.
Yes, some companies think that their product is the best for everyone but it may not be the best in all situations.
Yes, trying some strip till instead of conventional next year.
Some farmers do not think that university scientists know what is exactly right for their conditions.
Trying strip till on different types of ground.
43
Male
Farmer
High School
Ii learn about new things from neighbors, ag publications, and farm shows.
Yes, but you just have to remember that everyone is trying to sell you something.
Not really, we will try some new things on parts of fields and compare yields and thats as far as it goes.
Because some of things are what our parents did and its how we learned to farm. Others are done because of their bottom dollar.
We are going to try some strip-till. We have seen a lot of neighbors do very well with it and I have decided to try some of it myself.
44
Male
Cattle Farmer
High School
1.) I mainly obtain my information from local farmers and feed salesmen that I know.
2.) Not really, most of the people I get my information from tell me how it is. If there's a flaw in their product he'll let me know.
3.) Not a whole lot, but I may try some new techniques once in a while to find out what the results are.
4.) University scientists have many years of education and experience, but all farmers have their own techniques that work for them. Also the cost of some of these products plays a big role.
5.) So far I don't have anything specific that I am planing on trying
74
Male
Grade School Edjucation
Farmer
Most the information I obtain about new agricultural practise is in farming magazines, county newspapers, and my neighbors who always seem more informed.
I believe nearly all the information today is biased you just have to sift through all the crap and find the important information.
No I dont know work with scientist.
I believe farmers have certain practise that may be out of date and doesn't follow the scientific community but these practises and techniques are almost a part of our culture and this is how things have been done and will continue to be done.
No new practises.
26
male
farmer
hs
We rely on our dealers for new products as well as lots of reading and traveling to shows to keep up with the newist technology.
Yes i am concerend about some of the claims but usualy have done enough homework to know what we are getting into.
Sometimes i think the universitys are just as bias as the large bussinesses and allways think what they say is the only way things can possibly work.
continue the use of RTK and keep out eyes open for the next product that we can use.
49
Male
Farmer
I usually acquire most of my info for agriculture products from printed articles or from calling someone with some knowledge related to the item that I am interested in.
I would like to conduct on farm trials but I rather too small to do this.
They use these products because people tell them something that is not true and they fall for buying the item without knowing what might work and what might not work.
NO
Male
47
Farmer
High School Diploma
1) I read Farm Journal and The Furrow magazines on a regular basis.
2) If we do they are by accident.
3) Because the farmer is going to take the word of 3 farmers that use it over a scientist's word anyday.
4) Not at this point in time. I am more worried about getting the crops out of the field than I am about next years crops.
Male
51
Retired farmer
Bachelor's degree
Other farmers, magazines, word of mouth, farm shows.
I know that some of it is biased. Im not too concerned though because I can usually differentiate a bias and unbiased statement.
Some other farmers and I will do some personal experiments, that's about it. Just little things here and there when were bored.
Because of last questions answer. Farmers experiment and evaluate practices and products that work for them and what works on their particular farm.
Every farmer should be trying new practices these days.
1.) I almost always get all of my information at trade shows and expos.
2.) It depends, of course every company you talk to is going to tell you how theirs' is the best. And theirs' is better than the company's similar product across from the both your standing at. You have to shop around compare positives and negatives of each product. You can't by a major piece of equipment on the word of a brands hired representative alone.
3.) I do not farm, but I do compare certain brands of equipment to others. I will demo models, or use each brand out in the field. That is how I have always chosen the one to buy.
4.) Because of incentives by the dealers to use their machines. Or it could be because of their contracts, they might have to use a certain brand.
5.)No, I am not currently looking into anything new at the moment.
Male
47
Farmer
High School Education
1. I usually get my information from other farmers or farm magazines.
2. Yes some of the information is biased but i usually talk to people that i know i can trust.
3. No i just switch to a new seed variety from time to time to see how it yields but i dont have test plots.
4. Because that is how they have done it for so long that they aren't going to change just because a university says its bad.
5. No i think im going to stick with what has done well for me up to this point.
Male
57
Farmer
High School
1. I get most of my information from other farmer and companies.
2. Yes some of it is bias but it depends on who you talk to.
3. Really don't experiment to much
4. They try to get more money, or it is in a contract.
5. No, I have not thought about it.
Male
47
Farmer
ISU grad
First, input providers, then university publications, then other sources such as other farmers or the internet.
Yes, many people are very opinionated and refuse to accept that their points are wrong.
No, other than some tests on application rates.
Many find that these products work well on their farms
No
Male
Farmer
64
News papers, IL Agrinews, Iowa Agrinews, Farm Progress shows, Sucessfull farmer, Farm Journal- 50%
neighbor -10%
10-15% from seed corn meetings, chemical meetings
rest % from the internet
Yes, many people streched the truth but he sais he knows a red flag when he sees one. He always considers his source
No
At his age he doesnt bother listening to Univeristies. He has been succesfull in the past and hasnt considered changeing practices
Not condsidering new methods of farming. Doesnt need gps; still uses planter marker today.
Male
36
WIU Grad
Agronomist/part-time farmer
Mostly from magazines, farm shows, and the internet.
Yes, most of the information you can find is in the form of advertisements. These companies will try to make their products seem better in order to get more sales.
We have tried different things here and there. I think most anyone has.
Different farmers are going to have different results. The try the things the feel are most suitable for them.
I do not believe so.
60
Male
Part time farmer
Some college
Farm publication and other farmers
Yes a little bit, depending on the publication. If it is published by the company who makes that product.
No
They think that it is going to work. maybe they don't have a desire to change old habits are hard to break sometime.
Maybe some new chemicals. Other farmers. Meetings with other local farmers
Male
42
Full time farmer
From fellow farmers, expo's, and magazines mostly.
Yes, I change some practices from year to year and record the outcomes. I usually just collaborate with other farmers about them.
Because they have their own views and own tendencies that they like to follow.
Male
57
Farmer
HS Grad
I get most of my information from other farmers, friends, dealers, shows, etc.
I believe information I receive is biased. Many people think the same way their whole life and thats what they go by. Most do what has been successful for them in the past and stress that.
Farmers do what has worked for them all their life. Everyone has an opinion biased or not so there is no saying that university scientists are any more right than anyone else. They are not the ones who are out in the field.
I can't say I have put much thought into it. I will continue to do what works best for me and probably wont change unless something drastic happens
Male
40
Organic Farm Owner
High School Graduate
I primarily obtain my information from other farmers. When I see an advertisement I ask them if they know or have heard anything about the product.
Yes, I presume most of it is biased in order to sell the product. This is why when I see the product I get information from someone who's judgment I trust.
I am constantly trying different practices and technologies on my farm. Our practices tend to be more focused toward biological practices rather than those that have been created by man. I constantly talk to other farmers about what practices have been successful for them.
I really have no idea. The only thing I can think of is that it is easier for them to have a blind eye to it when there are many farmers doing it.
Yes, I am considering using a fish emulsion in a trial area to see if it is a better fertilizer than the dry manure from my own farm. I have talked to someone who uses this and would like to see if it can increase soil life, produce a better crop, and be affordable.
Male
52 years old
College Degree
Farmer, Teacher
- Other farmers and friends, or farm shows.
-Information is always going to be biased. It is someone's opinion.
-No I do not do on-farm experiments.
-I think farmers like to do what is new and what is most popular. In some cases, a university might not approve.
-No, I am not going to try anything new
I get my information from a variety of places. Several different farm magazines ie successful farmer, I attend several seminars throughout the year, I go to meetings for my seed corn company, talk to other farmers on a daily basis, and surf the internet on ocation.
There will be bias in some of the sources I receive information from but most of the time they are all credible and I can tell when they are not.
University scientists are supposed to be among the most intelligent when it comes to these kinds of things so they should give viable advice.
I am always trying new things. I upgrade my products like new seed corn varieties and upgrade equipment in hopes that it is more efficient. These things are given upgrades.
47
Male
Farmer
I usualy get my information from seed dealers, other farmers, and sometimes successful farming magazine.
I think that some of the info is biased. It isnt usualy based on a small farm. But I suppose that just because I dont farm 8500 acres doesnt mean it wont work for me.
Sometimes, I will try different feeding stratigies,and planting different seeds in my hay. I talk to other farmers about their expieriments.
Im not really sure. I guess it could be something along the lines of them not farming day in and day out.
Not at the moment. Everything worked well last year so I think it would do it again.
Male
69
Some college
Farmer
1. Most of the information that i receive is from reading farm magazine such as progressive farmer or Farm Bureau. I also listen to other peoples ideas and experiences.
2. Yes, most yield brochures are very biased because they are all out to make money.
3. I visit with other farmers about new ideas but not any test plots are done.
4. Possible because some of these practices work for other people but mostly because that's the way we've always done it.
5. I will probably be using a new soybean variety or corn hybrid. I heard about them from the local sales rep. It will be worth my while for getting better deals buying seed.
51
Male
Some College
For the most part, I hear about new agricultural practices from my neighbors and friends. we always dicuss them to try to better our practices. we also get information from farming magazines.
yes, I am always concerned that information is biased, espically now a days. you never are able to tell what good/bad you are going to recieve from a new pracise. it seems that only the good things outcomes from products are advertised and you never learn about the bad effects until it happens to you. I feel like most people are out there just to make money and not better the agricultural world.
no
I believe that farmers use so much technology because they have some false hope about most of it. they feel that just because they have the best of everything automatically means they are going to get the best yields. they also use technology as a crutch to help better manage their farms. not all of this technology is bad, it is just making farmers lazy.
no, we are not changing up too much. we are operating very efficiently and this is going to be a busy year with not much time to monitor or experiment with changes. but we have plans for the future.
56
Male
Some College
Farmer
I obtain the majority of my information from other farmers, dealers, product salesmen, and attend various information meetings around my area.
I am very concerned that information is often times biased. Companies have a bottom line- to sell a product to make the money. This is very scary and intimidating when I go in search of new ideas and technologies.
I keep fairly basic on growing my crops, but i do experiment with different feeds and rations with my 200 head of cattle. In order to find a healthy, balanced diet while cutting down on costs.
I think farmers are concerned more with what the big companies are finding out because they are assuming they are more accurate and precise in their research.
i wasnt able to get ahold of the farmer i tried. he never returned my call
We obtain our information from the extension office, neighbors and the internet.
Yeah i think information from seed and fertilizer companies post biased information.
No sorry we don't do any test plots
To save money and see what works best.
We probably won't do to much different, but i would be interested in using more manure and less man made fertilizers, or adopting a cover crop system.
45
Male
Bachelor's Degree
Farmer
"I get most of my information from land grant universities, private industry, trade magazines, and trade shows, corporate correspondents, and neighbors."
"Sometimes. That is only the struggle, but it is just like any other business. The companies you're buying from are trying to sell. For instance, Monsanto is really pushing the Round-up Ready 2 soybeans, which are a third more expensive, but I hear they are falling on their face. You just have to get out in the field and work it."
"Yes, I do test plots, and trials on different rotations. Sometimes you do some stuff that works on a sustainable level. For instance I use variable rate for all my lime and fertilizers. I would like to do trials on variable population rates but I don't think it would be cost effective for my operation. Some things really just don't work though. I tried interplanting wheat and soybeans for about five years--FAIL! The increased management costs and figuring out the very exacting timing were a major factor, plus I didn't have the money to invest in equipment specifically designed for this type of system. I also had a lot of trouble with pests and disease, but I realize that might have just been the years that I tried it. I know there are guys in Ohio that made it work, but it wasn't for me."
"There is good information coming out of land grants and institutions. There has been an overall industry movement toward joining university research with private industry. When that research was done by a vast majority at the university level it is then adopted by industry. Illinois has been blessed, we have a state that is willing to step up to the plate with the Center for Ag Research, but due to funding constraints going from $16 million to around $600,000 it will probably have to shut its doors. Who knows how long it will take to get another center set up like that one was."
"No, I'm currently in transition. A neighbor and I are forming a partnership so I don't plan on experimenting next spring. In the past, my family used to grow veggies and things, but now it seems to be a very tight-knit group controlling it. I'm open to trying new things within reason, so if an opportunity would come down the road I'm willing to look into it."
male
34
Farmer
High school
Read on the internet alot, the best way though is to find out what other people are doing
all information is biased to some degree you just need to check your sources and use more than one
every year is an expeiriment, I do set a side a few acres a year to play with as it were, try different seed and things like that
university scientist aren't out hear everyday, not all soil is the same not all drainage is the same, every field is different in some degree, you can't do it all from a lab
I don't have any big plans for 2010
Male
43
Part time farmer
highschool
Yes, we are using a different sub tiller that will that is more uniform and more evenly tills the ground. This will allow less work in the spring for planting preparation.
Sales pressure and misguided information from seed and chemical salesman.
Yes. We use different chemicals, seed and soil preparation techniques and compare the yields on similar soil types as-well-as talking to other farmers about what they have done to make decisions for the following year.
All salesman bias information towards their products. That is why you need more than one point of information to make a decision.
Rely mainly on farm magazines sales reps and history.
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