| | Lanclos makes a presentation on the corn demonstration project at the Dean Lee Research Station field day, which was Aug. 24, 2006. (Photo by Mark Claesgens) |
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David Lanclos
On-farm demonstrations are nothing new to the LSU AgCenter, and in 2002, a variety/hybrid-based program specifically focusing on soybean, corn and grain sorghum was initiated.
On-farm agricultural demonstrations play a critical role in bringing new soybean and feed grain technology to producers to increase profit potential on their farms.
These demonstrations are primarily conducted to evaluate new varieties or hybrid yields. Other factors evaluated include fertilizer rates and timings, use of lime, planting dates, use of new equipment, disease control, herbicide rotations, insect management, insect control, irrigation methods, limited and no-till production, tillage methods, harvesting techniques, use of yield monitors with GPS technology and applying precision agricultural methods to production and others.
This program has increased in size over the past few years, and the 2006 program has 55 demonstrations in corn, soybean and grain sorghum in 22 parishes. In 2006, private seed companies contributed about $30,000 worth of seed for the program. In 2005, 85 soybean varieties, 70 corn hybrids and 10 grain sorghum hybrids were evaluated.
The data generated allow producers and agribusiness clientele to ascertain particular information that they may be interested in not only statewide but regionwide as well. Louisiana is different geographically, and cultural practices vary across the state.
David Lanclos, Assistant Professor, Dean Lee Research Station, Alexandria, La.
Acknowledgement: Louisiana Soybean Research Grain and Promotion Board
(This article was published in the fall 2006 issue of Louisiana Agriculture.) |