By Andi Anderson
As harvest begins across Ohio, it’s time to evaluate crop performance and learn from the past growing season. While the 2024 eFields Report is still a few months away, reviewing the 2023 edition can offer valuable insights.
Released in January, the 2023 report highlights field trials and research conducted across 47 Ohio counties. It also includes new topics on farm business management, safety, and stress management.
The report covered 184 on-farm research sites and included trials on critical topics like fertilizer application, nitrogen, sulfur, and fungicide use. One standout area in the 2023 edition was the expanded focus on agricultural technology, particularly the use of drones.
Drone services and application techniques were tested to evaluate their effectiveness in Ohio’s agricultural landscape. This focus will continue into the 2024 growing season.
Additionally, the 2023 report introduced OSU Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Performance Trials and explored new biological products available in the market.
Farmers across Ohio are testing these biologicals, and the results will be included in future reports. Soil health surveys and Soybean Cyst Nematode sampling also continued in 2023, with over 150 samples analyzed to date.
Farmers interested in improving efficiency and profitability are encouraged to participate in on-farm research. The OSU Digital Ag Team provides customizable trial options to test a variety of practices and products.
These trials offer an excellent opportunity to refine farm operations and plan for future seasons.
Farmers can access the eFields report online or contact their local OSU Extension office for a printed copy. The 2023 edition, as well as a searchable database, is available at go.osu.edu/eFields.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dmaroscar
Categories: Ohio, Sustainable Agriculture