Training in Alternative Research Strategies for Sustainable Farming Systems

Training in Alternative Research Strategies for Sustainable Farming Systems

Summary

As a followup to agents expressed needs in the previous year in learning more about on-farm research methodology, a pre-conference workshop was planned for extension agents in conjunction with the annual meeting of the 2003 Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. Easy-to-understand information on probability, the need for statistics, and basics in experimental design were presented. Only three extension agents were present.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Extension agents who earlier participated in the project and other agents in general were invited to the November 7, 2003 workshop. Participants would learn:
– regard farmers as co-researchers
– working with farmers in deciding how to evaluate the results of an experiment
– how to select and replicate treatments
– randomization and recommended field experimental designs
– pros and cons of single location trials
– usefulness of multi-location trials

Accomplishments/Milestones

Only three extension agents participated in the workshop. None indicated that on-farm research activity was planned as yet in their respective counties.

Collaborators: