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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.
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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)] |
