The Value of On-farm Demonstrations for Agent Growth
Early Career Development
Kalyn Waters
CED/Agriculture Agent
University of Florida
Bonifay
Abstract
Land grant universities are a three-legged stool comprised of research, education, and extension programs. Each component is necessary in achieving the land grant university mission, and there is no better example of this symbiotic relationship than on-farm demonstrations. The UF/IFAS Extension Peanut Team has developed a model for on-farm demonstrations that serves as a key opportunity for early career (EC) development. Objectives: The objectives of this model are 1) to establish a network between producers and EC Extension faculty; 2) use on-farm demonstrations to train agents who are inexperienced in specific production areas; and 3). use on farm trials to expose EC agents to applied research. Methods: Partnerships for on-farm demonstrations are between a specialist, extension agent, and producers. The research component is overseen by the specialist including the trial design, data collection and analysis. The Extension agent finds a host location, bridging the gap between researcher and producer while creating an opportunity for relationship development with stakeholders. The agent will work to collect samples/data on-farm, interacting with both the producer and the specialist. Results: This model has been proven in the on-farm trials used for peanut variety testing. Over the past eight years, Extension faculty worked with a state specialist to collect peanut cultivar performance, fungicide, and nematicide data in large plots managed by farmers. UF/IFAS Extension faculty have worked with state specialists to complete an average of 8 trials each year. These demonstration trials function as a platform for programming, facilitating producer interaction and education on both an individual (host) and group (field day; farm tour) level. In addition, faculty who are inexperienced in peanut production have achieved better understanding of field practices and an ability to better understand and interact with county and regional extension personnel as well as with growers. Simultaneously, EC agents have generated content for publications and scholarly work critical for their promotion and growth through the trials. While on-farm research may seem lofty for EC agents, it is an effective platform to train EC agents in a field setting, while they develop relationships with producers, and expand their knowledge of key production concepts.
Authors: Kalyn Waters, Ethan Carter, Barry Tillman
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Kalyn Waters CED/Agriculture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Holmes County, Florida, 32425
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Ethan Carter Regional IMP and Crop Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Jackson Countuy, Florida, 32446
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Barry Tillman Asst. Center Director and Professor , University of Florida/ North Florida Research and Education Center, Florida, 32446