Use of whole field research to change farm management practices

On-farm demonstration trials have been used for many years to introduce new techniques and management practices to farmers. With new precision agriculture technology, it is now possible to work more effectively using whole fields instead of small test plots. Sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) growers in the Drayton, ND, and St. Thomas, ND, sugarbeet cooperative districts have delivered sugarbeet historically lower in recoverable sugar and higher in impurities than the Red River Valley average. Resulting payments to these growers on a per-hectare basis also have been lower. Growers did not know why their sugarbeet harvest was lower in quality. It generally was believed by the growers that high available soil N was not a reason for the low quality sugarbeet because unusually high soil N levels generally were not seen following potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) through their normal soil sampling practices. A whole-field study was undertaken using precision farming techniques with the following objectives: (i) to determine the reason for the low quality sugarbeet, (ii) to test methods to improve the quality of sugarbeet, and (iii) to introduce those methods to growers to improve sugarbeet quality. Results of the study were shared annually with growers in a local town setting. Feedback from farmers was used to construct on-going demonstrations and studies. The studies reinforced ideas reported in previous research, but which had not yet been widely adopted by growers. The whole field studies resulted in an improvement in overall sugarbeet quality in the districts through increased adoption of better management techniques.