The FC Field Trial site in Farnhamville, Iowa is an outdoor agronomic proving ground where FC
Agronomists conduct crop production input demonstrations. This site is critical in demonstrating and evaluating specific, real-time crop production inputs to determine their potential return per acre on the farms of FC member/customers. “If you’re not providing proof of value, or demonstrating and evaluating inputs…you’re just selling”, said Todd Claussen / Director of Agronomy at Farmers Cooperative Company.
In 2014, FC-Agronomy has planted over 170 acres of variable crop production inputs and management practices in eleven demonstration blocks. The breadth and scope of these blocks allows FC to evaluate area that goes well beyond “test-plot” status. Nearly all treatments and practices are replicated two to four times, thus increasing the validity of evaluations and potential data. The Agronomy Demo Site boasts layers of treatments across corn, soybeans and alfalfa, in multiple crop rotations and tillage systems.
FC Agronomy utilizes the site as a training ground for Field Sales Agronomists and Associates. Crop clinics and training sessions are conducted on the site at regular intervals during the growing season. Each clinic focuses on current crop conditions and pest threats for that particular time of the growing season. A great deal of hands-on agronomic information is utilized to increase the technical foundation of your local Field Sales Agronomist. For every pest or crop threat that is discussed, agronomic solution options are reviewed, discussed and debated within the FC Agronomy team. Experts from the agriculture industry and universities are often present to provide insight and information for specific products.
Research is conducted using both large field and small field testing. Large field testing allows us to mimic practices on your farm. Within these testing sites, we can utilize our spreading and sprayer equipment to apply various inputs that could be used on your farm. The smaller replicated tests allows us to measure and analyze treatments that still need to be determined as valuable on a larger scale. Both testing methods are helpful to uncover best management practices for your farming operation.
The following are Treatments, Applications and Practices under
Evaluation in 2014:
- Foliar Corn Treatments
- In-furrow corn applications
- Nitrogen Product Application and Timing
- Twin-Row/20" Corn Trials
- Foliar Soybean Treatments
- High Management Corn compared to Standard Practice
- High Management Soybeans compared to Standard Practice
- Full FC Corn Portfolio
- Full FC Soybean Portfolio
- Soybean Planting Date Trial
- 100 years of Corn/History Demonstration
This site reflects an unbelievable effort from members of the FC
Agronomy Sales Team and the FC Agronomy Operations Team.
- Make you money
- Save you time
- Ease your pain
