Producers can pick up 2010 MSU On-Farm Research and Demonstration book from MSU Extension offices

posted on April 2, 2010 10:04am

Contact: Sara Long
  517-432-1555, ext. 170

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Producers interested in receiving the 2010 edition of the On- Farm Research and Demonstration book can acquire one from Michigan State University (MSU) Extension county offices.
             
  The 80-page book captures the latest information on field crop research conducted by MSU researchers and Extension specialists over the past year. Data are provided on topics ranging from fertilizer studies and bioenergy to pesticide trials.
             
  The On-Farm Research and Demonstration book is published annually by the MSU Extension team of field crop experts to keep farmers updated on new production practices, said Dale Mutch, an MSU district Extension educator and co-author of the book.
             
  “The On-Farm Research and Demonstration book keeps producers current on the latest research findings and recommendations,” he said. “Data are generated from field trials and field plots set up across the state. Projects are conducted under actual weather, insect and environmental conditions in a producer’s field, so the results readily apply to situations facing Michigan growers.”
             
  Each year, county Extension educators work with farmers to identify what information farmers need to help them improve their businesses or address specific challenges at all stages of the growing process, from planting to harvest. Once challenges and opportunities are identified, the Extension field staff conducts on-farm field trials to create solutions and recommendations to address these needs. Mutch said they collected more data this year than in previous years.
             
  “The objective is to generate recommendations for growers that can be used in the field to maximize productivity and profitability,” he said.
             
  The publication receives funding from the Michigan Corn Growers Association,  the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee (MSPC), Project GREEEN, the North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grants program,  and the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station.
             
  Books are available from most county MSU Extension offices and they are free of charge.
  #sl/nt#