We try to ensure that a farmer's first exposure to on-farm testing is a positive one. Often assistance is only needed once. By the second year the farmer may be able to design experiments without any help. In other cases the farmer needs a little help for several years before they understand that good data can only come from good design, and exactly what that design involves. Weighing equipment for harvest measurements must be available to minimize the time spent measuring yields during the busy harvest season.
Farmers appreciate expert help in interpretation of data.
Remember, it is the production of useful data on a subject important to the farmer that makes it worthwhile. The farmer needs to learn something, and needs confidence he or she is doing it right. Sometimes the farmer, researcher, or extension agent will want some more intensive data, such as residue levels, or weed counts. Linking farmers with people able to make these special measurement also helps increase the benefits of the on-farm test. This article is intended to outline and stimulate discussion on the use of on-farm tests as a technology transfer tool.