One example is the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. The Alliance farmers enrolled fields in the scouting trial and set up plots comparing chemical treatments for the pest. The Illinois western corn rootworm monitoring project supplied sticky traps and rated corn-root damage. Together, ISA farmers and U of I researchers are developing economically and environmentally sound strategies for controlling the adapted western corn rootworm in corn. The Future Much has been learned so far from farmers conducting their own research.
Farmers have another tool for making wise and profitable production decisions.
Some innovations being tested on location will result in cleaner and more profitable farming. Consumers and researchers are making connections that will enable farmers to stay on the farm and thrive. In addition, researchers are discovering the benefits of involving farmers in agricultural research. Technology will continue to enhance this convergence of stakeholders and researchers.