Free workshop on Atlanta farm highlights on-farm seed trial

 

[June 15, 2018] 

Field conditions, seed variety, and other factors impact crop success—what might grow really well at one farm might fail miserably a few miles away. By conducting scientific-yet-simple variety trials, farmers can find the best varieties for their particular growing conditions.

Farmers can learn how to conduct variety trials at a free workshop Sunday, July 1 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at PrairiErth Farm, 2047 2100th St., outside Atlanta. Farmers Hans and Katie Bishop are trialing yellow potatoes for early vigor and yield. They will explain how they designed the trial and the results they’re seeing.

The 300-acre farm, run by the Bishops and Hans’ father, Dave, has been certified organic since 2004. Production is diverse with row crops, vegetables, fruit, flowers, and livestock, including cattle, pigs, and chickens. The Bishops have received awards for their land management practices from both the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

The July 1 workshop will include presentations from researchers with the Organic Seed Alliance and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who will talk about how to design field trials to meet a farm’s goals without adding unnecessary work. An organic specialist from MOSES will be there to answer farmers’ questions about organic production and certification.

Workshop participants will receive the newly released Grower’s Guide to Conducting On-Farm Variety Trials. This 55-page guide covers the process of planning, implementing, evaluating, and interpreting a variety trial. The guide was created with input from MOSES, OSA, the university and other partners. It’s also available free online at seedalliance.org/ publications/growers-guide-conducting-farm-variety-trials.

To learn more or register for the workshop at PrairiErth Farm, see seedalliance.org/events/how-to-conduct-on-farm-variety-trials-workshop-prairierth.

[Audrey Alwell, C
ommunications Director
Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES)]