ISU FARM to Expand Farmer-assisted Research Concept

AMES, Iowa -- A pilot program that helps farmers conduct research in their own fields has been so popular that it is expanding across the state.

ISU FARM, which stands for Farmer Assisted Research and Management, was the brainchild of the Northwest Iowa Experimental Association, the owner of the farm in O'Brien County that Iowa State operates for research and demonstration. It originated in 2006 as the Northwest Iowa On-farm Research working with farmers in that part of the state.

Last year there were more than 130 research trials conducted by 78 farmer-cooperators, including projects looking into drought-tolerant corn hybrids, sulfur fertilizer use in corn and soybeans, planting cover crops and soybean row spacing. A report of the projects results is available for free at: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=13990

There are about 160 trials planned in 28 counties across Iowa this year.

Since the program was created, Josh Sievers, the Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm's superintendent, and Joel DeJong, the extension agronomist in that area, have worked with farmers to set up research trials and collect and analyze data for the experiments.

"It's based on relationships with farmers. The research farms serve as hubs or logistical locations to connect with the cooperating farmers. The concept also is based on extension's proven track record of technical expertise," said Mark Honeyman, coordinator of the ISU Research and Demonstration Farms.

The Iowa Soybean Association is a partner in the move to expand FARM across Iowa. It is paying part of the costs for adding additional research specialists. Another partner is Dordt College in Sioux Center, which is doing research at its farm location with ISU help. Several agricultural suppliers and organizations also participate with in-kind contributions.

For a relatively new concept, Honeyman sees a bright future with so many involved.

"What we're learning is that this is another way to do crops and soils research and demonstration," said Honeyman. "The power is when you have more than one farmer doing a similar study."