On Farm Demonstrations (private farms)

Introduction

An on-farm demonstration allows for innovative practices or solutions to problems to be demonstrated on an actual farm situation to show its viability or applicability. The demonstration may employ before-and-after, control-versus-test, side by side or other comparisons. Practical application of an innovation or practices focusing on relevant issues or problems is usually the primary objective of such demonstrations. Demonstrations have served Extension well for many years in educating agricultural audiences. There are both positive factors as well as some disadvantages that should be considered in deciding to use this program delivery method. In addition to the advantages and disadvantages of this delivery method, there are several items that can be stated as Do's and Dont's to be considered when using on farm demonstrations as a means of Extension program delivery.

Positives

• Located In an actual farm setting
• Keeps Extension close to grower situations
• Locations can be selected for greatest visibility
• Can be widely dispersed geographically
• Cooperators can be selected
• Uses available resources on the farm
• Can reach new clientele
• Can be publicized
• Excellent showcase of innovation & Extension
• Usually attracts interest
• Can be toured
• Demonstrates Extension interest in grower concerns
• Helps attract resources
• Allows specialists, agents, and farmers to learn together

Disadvantages

• Extensive planningtime may interfere with other program thrusts
• Cooperators must be secured
• Coordination needs with cooperator may be extensive
• Misunderstandings easily occur
• Labor for assistance is often unavailable or untrained
• Equipment is often unavailable
• Transport of materials or machinery are often difficult
• Calibration of equipment is often incompatible with farm operation
• Equipment set-up may be time consuming
• Much time and resources may be required
• Cooperator may lose interest

Implementation Considerations

Having considered the various factors, and having decided to make on farm demonstrations an integral part of your Extension program, these do=s and don=ts that are listed may provide relevant insights into the actual implementation of a demonstration program.

Dos and Dont's

Do

• Make sure that the issue being addressed is applicable and practical to area
• Plan the demonstration in advance focusing on written objectives and plans
• Select locations that are easily accessible and can be easily seen
• Select farmers who have an interest in the demonstration
• Select farmers who are respected in community
• Select farmers with proven cooperative spirit
• Select farmers who can afford to forgo a part of their farm ( especially very small farmers)
• Select farmers who can contribute time, labor and equipment
• Select locations that are not subject to abnormal test conditions
• Write an agreement with plan of action and all involved parties sign
• Make sure everyone knows who will do what
• Make sure cooperator understands ultimate objectives of demonstration
• Plan to personally oversee implementation
• Personally visit and maintain frequently
• Keep site attractive to project positive image of Extension and cooperator
• Record and document progression, significant happenings and results
• Plan to use information in presentations and educational materials
• Properly publicize demonstration with signs and by other means
• Be open to including new cooperator farmers
• Keep simple as possible to reach goals
• Provide recognition to the cooperators

Don't

• Plan the demonstration upon arrival
• Select non-secure locations
• Fail to help farmer understand ultimate goals of demonstration
• Try to talk a reluctant person into cooperating
• Assume that unattended functions will be carried out
• Expect resources to always be readily available
• Expect the location to be maintained as you desire
• Allow weeds or other obstacles to obstruct the demonstration site
• Make more complicated than needed

Department of Agricultural and Extension Education Fact Sheet AEE-1-01

Developed by:

Dr. John G. Richardson
Extension Program Delivery and Accountability Leader
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Department of Agricultural and Extension Education
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695

Peer Reviewed and Content Contributions Made By:

Dr. Roger Crickenberger, State Program Leader, Agriculture and Natural Resources,  Dr. James Dunphy, Crop Science Extension Specialist; Mr. Kevin Starr, County Extension Director; Mr. Everett Davis, County Extension Director, Mr. Charles Hammond, County Extension Director, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

10/2001