Increased interest in on-farm research and demonstrations led Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center to hire an on-farm research coordinator.
Phil E. Rzewnicki will assist Extension agents and producers in the planning, design and analysis of experiments conducted by farmers on their own fields. These experiments have included trials on reduced pesticide rates, efficient use of fertilizers and other practices to help protect the environment. Additionally, Rzewnicki expects to collaborate with natural resource agency staff in the testing and promotion of farm practices that enhance water quality or use recycled waste materials.
He will work with producers to develop projects that address their specific concerns. By involving producers directly, on-farm research can help farmers adopt university findings. It also allows producers to validate new products that have little supportive research by testing them in on-farm trials.
A desirable feature in any on-farm research program is the participation of farmers from the initial planning stages on through the final analysis and sharing of information with others. Rzewnicki wants to encourage the formation of local, regional and statewide on-farm testing groups of producers. Those who are already involved in organized groups such as Ohio Farm Bureau advisory councils, area commodity groups or Young Farmer chapters may find on-farm testing to be a meaningful special project.
Rzewnicki comes to the newly created on-farm research coordinator position with 18 years of experience as an Extension agent in Nebraska and Pennsylvania.
During the past 10 years, Rzewnicki has been involved in local and statewide on-farm demonstration programs. His experience cuts across commodity lines to include agronomic crops, commercial horticulture and grazing systems.
To find out more about on-farm research, contact your local office of Ohio State University Extension, or contact Rzewnicki directly by phone, (614) 292-0117, or e-mail (przewnicki.1@osu.edu).
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868