Farmer-Led Research

Abstract Soil samples were collected in summer 2009 at 11 different farm “pods” in different areas of Iowa, each pod containing fields and pastures with different management practices. Perennial vegetation resulted in significantly higher total soil carbon and …

Abstract Soybean aphid, Aphis Glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a pest to soybeans in Iowa. In certain years, it can be economically devastating to a farming operation. Conventional farmers can use insecticides to control soybean aphid populations but …

Abstract Thirty-nine stocker cattle were weighed before and after three different grazing periods from July 18, 2009 to October 17, 2009, to compare the rate of gain on the different forages being grazed. Three different forages were compared: …

Abstract Flea beetles are frequent eggplant pests that adversely affect yields and fruit quality. This trial tested two non-toxic physical controls, kaolin clay1 (Surround WP) and row covers, applied from transplant to flowering, for their effectiveness in controlling …

Abstract Scattergood Farm near West Branch tested tillage radish for weed control in one of their vegetable fields. They also collected data on seed germination for the cash crop after tillage radishes to observe if the tillage radish …

Abstract Jill Beebout and Sean Skeehan of Blue Gate Farm constructed two high tunnels on their land. They recorded cultural and sales data in the fall of 2008 and spring and summer of 2009 to help determine if …

Q: Which tomato training system best keeps disease pressure at bay in an heirloom tomato planting? A: 2008 was a cold and wet year; not ideal tomato conditions. Each farm generated different results, thus no system was deemed …

Abstract Soybean aphids can negatively impact yields for farmers in conventional and organic farming systems. New soybean varieties have become available that might resist aphids. In this one-year trial, the non-resistant soybean variety yielded more compared to the …

Abstract Heirloom tomatoes are in high demand in local food markets and bring in a premium price. However, heirloom tomatoes often are disease prone and can produce inconsistent yields, reducing their reliability and efficiency for many growers. The …

Q: Can high methionine maize be a substitute for synthetic DL-methionine in broiler diets? A: Preliminary studies show that with a 5% decrease in soybean meal (SBM), high-methionine (HM) corn is a potential ingredient to substitute. But 20% …

Abstract Eric and Ann Franzenburg of Pheasant Run Farm near Van Horne constructed three greenhouses on their farm in 2008. In 2009 they took data on crops grown in these greenhouse to determine if heating the soil was …

Abstract Dean and Judy Henry constructed a greenhouse that is heated by a wood furnace on their farm. Their initial purpose was to grow raspberries year round, but they were also interested in trying out other crops to …