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K-State Research and Extension
123 Umberger Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506-3401
785-532-5820
extadmin@ksu.edu

February 9, 2021

Opportunity to Partner with Local Conservation Districts for On-Farm Trials

Submitted by Susan Metzger

The Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Conservation, is encouraging local Conservation Districts to partner with District/County Extension Agents to conduct On Farm Field Trials this year. The On Farm Field Trials are opportunities to demonstrate environmental and economic benefits for conservation practices that help address high priority water resource issues in each county. Each Conservation District will receive $3,500 to develop and implement the On Farm Field Trial in their county.

As local K-State Research and Extension agents, this is a great opportunity to partner with your local Conservation District to brainstorm ideas, assist in project and experimental design, collaborate with local producers, collect and report data, and provide meaningful outreach on conservation practices.

Examples of field trials include but are not limited to:
• Zone soil sampling and variable rate nutrient application vs. uniform application
• Intensive rotational grazing vs. set stocking rates
• Irrigation scheduling and telemetry technology vs. conventional irrigation management
• Soil health amendment vs no amendment
• Cover Crop grazing vs. ungrazed cover crop for profitability, yield, weed suppression

You are encouraged to reach out to your local Conservation District office to proactively engage in discussions regarding this partnership opportunity. For more information, contact Susan Metzger at smetzger@ksu.edu, or Peter Tomlinson at ptomlin@ksu.edu.