Bridging the Research and Farmer Realities Gap - RDA 306

• Livestock as Performance Indicators: Dr. Phillips discussed the importance of using livestock as performance indicators for forage management strategies. By measuring animal weight gain, we can evaluate the effectiveness of fertility treatments.
• Nutrient Cycling Approach: Emphasizing a "one health ecosystem" approach, Dr. Phillips plans to study the nitrogen cycle from soil to plant, animal, and back to soil, including measuring animal waste.
• Long-term Rotation Study: A massive 8.5-acre experiment is underway to study the impact of varying rotations, tillage practices, and nutrient application timings on double-crop systems. This "living lab" will provide insights for years to come.
• Farmer-Centric Experimentation: Drawing from his international experience, Dr. Phillips advocates for a farmer-centric approach, where researchers facilitate on-farm experimentation and learn from growers' perspectives.
• Connecting Researchers: Dr. Phillips' work in Africa focused on building networks and communities among researchers, enabling them to share knowledge, collaborate, and secure funding for impactful projects.

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