Many exciting new resources are available to help growers plan and execute organic on-farm trials. Grant opportunities from OFRF and SARE allow farmers to act on their own. Below are vegetable trial ideas that have resulted from OOFRN network meetings in the past year. You can look at these ideas, or work through some of our worksheets and other resources to think through your own idea. Links to additional resources are also provided. Our network also offers opportunities to connect with other farmers, as well as educators and researchers, for collaboration, help looking at similar past projects, and sharing research results.
See Existing Group Ideas
Problem(s) to Solve
- What varieties of disease and heat tolerant open-pollinated cherry tomato could create a succession for consistent consumer supply.
- Also looking for a color mix for visual appeal.
Crop Focus: Cherry Tomatoes and salad greens (best sellers)
Other Variables to Control
- Know reproductive biology of the plants involved (self-pollination, etc).
Idea from Lindsay Klaunig, Trouaville Farms
Problem(s) to Solve
- How can I time application of biopesticides for leafhopper and thrips in relation to insect timing?
- How would biopesticides fit into current regimen of PyGanic and Entrust (broad spectrum).
- Would like to test PFR97 or Beauveria bassiana and compare effectiveness.
Crop Focus: Onion and potato
Things to Measure
- insect count
- crop yield (total yield, marketable yield)
- cost
Other Variables to Control
- Know reproductive biology of the plants involved (self-pollination, etc).
Idea from Ben Jackle
What cover crops varieties will work well for my rotation?
- Test for winter kill
- Ability to establish under problematic conditions (heat and drought)
Crop Focus: Unspecified
Other Variables to Control
- indoor / outdoor setting
- irrigation and fertility
Think About Your Own Trial Idea
- Meeting Slide Deck - guides you through resources and steps
More Resources
- OFRF Farmer-led Trials and Guide to On-farm Research: https://ofrf.org/soil-health-and-organic-farming-reports/
- OSU Vegetable Trial Protocols and Resources: https://southcenters.osu.edu/horticulture/eplus/study-implemention
- Grant information: https://offer.osu.edu/resources/resources-researchers