"Farmers constantly experiment. We try new products, new methods, new management styles, all within the domain of an ever-changing mother nature."

The On-Farm Research Program at PASA offers producers an opportunity to conduct applied research on their farms. Results of this farm-based research directly benefit producers by answering questions related to increasing overall sustainability and profitability of their farms. Design and implementation of these research trials is uncomplicated and intended to enable research to be farmer-directed.

Since 2003, PASA, in conjunction with The Pennsylvania State University, have been working to identify producer research interests. Two previous surveys of the membership have shown strong interest in the several topics, including proper cover crop management, animal parasite control (specifically in small ruminants) and methods to improve soil fertility.

For more information concerning the On-Farm Research Program at PASA contact Michele Gauger at 814-349-9856 or e-mail at michele@pasafarming.org.

You can also learn more about Penn State's On-Farm Research Program by visiting http://onfarm.cas.psu.edu, or by contacting Ron Hoover, On-Farm Research Program Coordinator at 814-865-6672 or e-mail at rjh7@psu.edu.