Pushing Boundaries Through On-Farm Research - RDA 308
Brent and Zack Rendel are award-winning growers from Ottawa County, Oklahoma, who have been hosting research on their farm since the early 2000s. In our conversation, we explore the evolution of on-farm research and the Rendel family's progressive approach to agriculture. The value of making big mistakes to drive meaningful progress How on-farm research has become easier with modern technology The Rendel family's legacy of trying new crops, like being among the first to plant soybeans in eastern Oklahoma Brent's interest in exploring autonomous farming with small, nimble equipment Zack's perspective on focusing on the agronomic basics before chasing complex rabbit holes The mixed reactions from neighbors to their on-farm research efforts Clearing the record on who brought chinch bugs and stink bugs to Oklahoma (spoiler: it wasn't them)
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Show Notes
Here are the podcast timestamps with brief descriptions:
(00:00:02) Introduction and welcome to the podcast episode
(00:00:33) Reminder about the website and introduction of the guests
(00:01:02) Introduction of Dr. Brian Arnall
(00:01:06) Humorous exchange about gnats and historic sites
(00:01:28) Introduction of Dr. Josh Lofton
(00:01:51) Brent Rendel introduces himself and the location
(00:02:25) Banter about Brent and Zack Rendel's appearances
(00:03:08) Discussion of Brent's early involvement with green seeker technology
(00:04:03) Mention of the diverse crop rotation at the Rendel farm
(00:04:25) Recollection of filming video at the Rendel farm years ago
(00:05:59) Importance of on-farm research for the Rendel operation
(00:10:19) Reasons why more farmers don't do on-farm research
(00:13:03) Discussion about learning from mistakes in on-farm research
(00:15:01) Perspective on failing and learning in on-farm research
(00:17:17) Potential opportunities with the new government protocols and strip-tilling
(00:19:28) Value of field days for growers involved in research
(00:22:04) Judging the local community's interest in research through field days
(00:24:08) Inquiry about the Rendel family's history of progressive farming
(00:26:43) Discussion of the family's mining history in the area
(00:27:45) Future directions for on-farm research at the Rendel farm
(00:30:22) Potential benefits of autonomous farming with smaller equipment
(00:36:51) Neighbors' reactions to the Rendel's on-farm research efforts
(00:38:40) Closing remarks and clarification about the Rendel's role in introducing pests
(00:40:49) Final thanks and appreciation for the conversation
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