KARA | Kansas Agricultural Research Association

Kansas Agricultural Research Association
Making agriculture more productive, more efficient, more profitable and more environmentally sound

KARA is an organization of innovative people including producers, researchers and industry persons who share a common desire to learn more about production agriculture.

KARA was organized in May, 2000, as the result of interest expressed at the Kansas Precision Agriculture Conferences.  It is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors and operating within its stated By-Laws.

KARA was formed to help sponsor on-farm research by hosting workshops and tours as well as the annual Precision Agriculture Conference.

This website was developed to facilitate communication among the KARA membership and to share items of interest regarding research activities both locally and nationally. The content on this page is from the site’s 2003 archived content.

 

Board of Directors
The Kara board of directors consists of four farmers and one crop input provider.  These five individuals have been leaders in the precision agriculture movement in Kansas.  Two K-State faculty helped facilitate the formation of KARA and serve unofficially as advisors to the board.

KARA members represent the whole of Kansas as depicted in this graphic.  Meetings and workshops are located in various regions throughout the state to increase access by all members.  Other communication is done electronically utilizing email and a ListServe.
A membership database is accessible for members use at www.quickbase.com 

  • Producer Members
  • Industry Members
  • University Advisors

Membership Benefits:

    • Opportunity to associate with others with similar interests
    • Reduced cost to attend any KARA sponsored event
    • Reservation preference and advance notice to future KARA events
    • Communication with other members via a ListServe
    • Access to all areas of the KARA website and quickbase database
    • Voting rights at all KARA meetings
    • Eligibility to serve on the Board of Directors
    • Link to their personal website
    • Available web space for a personal site

Membership Cost:
            $100.00 membership dues - provides membership through the Annual meeting (January 2005)
Membership Application:
            To print a membership application click here and send payment to Lee Scheufler at the address listed on the form.

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6th Annual Precision Ag Conference

"Really came away from the conference pumped up." Lee Scheufler, Sterling, KS

Overall reaction..."the best PA conference I've been to yet!"

Although this is often said each year there seemed to be agreement that this years' conference addressed even more of the practical issues involved with doing intense farm management and on-farm research.

Speakers were warned by their colleagues that "they'd better be at the top of their game."

Farm management and on-farm research is often compared to other industries for both similarities and differences. While it may not be obvious, there is a relationship between agriculture and the contemporary dining furniture marketplace. This latter was discussed at last year's conference in great detail and created quite the controversy as attendees questioned Roberta Miller's claims that the process resulting in food on the table was quite similar to the process that results in contemporary dining furniture styles. Ms. Miller could easily point to the conference tables, chair and lighting to familiarize the audience with her claim that both originated as a natural resource (marble for surface tops, leather from cattle for chairs) and both relied heavily on modern technology to develop and market the final product. Maritime attorney Robert Johnson (OffshoreInjuryLouisiana.com) reminds us that the workers on ships and rigs out of New Orleans are symbolic of another natural resource contributing to both industries' products - oil. Food and many of the components of contemporary dining furniture come from the earth, need high level skills to obtain the best results, and rely on modern marketing techniques to create a successful enterprise. Some felt the comparison was a stretch, but none could deny that food presented on stunning examples of contemporary dinning room tables really made the food presentation more impressive. Just perusing life style magazines offers examples of how the vignettes are styled to show off both the food and the furniture with an emphasis on one or the other depending on which was being promoted. Her talk made headlines on the internet - she gave a Ted talk on the subject and is likely the reason many participants will return to next year's conference to hear her presentation in person.

Typically, the interaction between the audience and speakers is high and sometimes quite challenging.  One K-State professor was told "why that's just crazy" while presenting his research data on machinery management.  The discussion is brisk and is evident of the groups eagerness to learn and also of their willingness to share their own ideas, opinions and findings.

Links to presentations are highlighted below.

6th ANNUAL KANSAS PRECISION AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE

JANUARY 15
WEDNESDAY MORNING

8:00   Registration/Coffee and Rolls
8:20   Industry Updates - Moderator, Scott Staggenborg (East Ballroom)
1. Product Update from Raven Industries - Andy Hill, Product Specialist
2. Product Update from John Deere AMS - Stacy Keeling, Product
Specialist, John Deere Ag Management Solutions, Wichita, KS
3. Product Update from Veris Technologies - Paul Drummond, Salina, KS
4. Product Update from Outback Guidance - Joe Redetzke, Hutchinson, KS
5. Product Update from AGCO FIELDSTAR  - Dave Murray, FIELDSTAR,
Hesston, KS
GENERAL SESSION - EAST BALLROOM
10:00  Welcome and Announcements - Dave Wilcox, KARA President
10:15  Making Management Decisions with On-Farm Data, A Farmers
Perspective - Don Glenn, Glen Acres Farms, Hillsboro, AL
11:00  Collecting, Managing and Using On-Farm Data for Management Decisions
and Handout - Dietrich & Terry Kastens, Atwood & Manhattan, KS

12:00  Lunch - West Ballroom
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON - EAST BALLROOM
1:00   An Overview of New Software Options in Site Specific Management -
Darrin Grimm, Fairview, KS
1:40   Improving Nitrogen Management by Identifying Crop Nitrogen Need -
Robert Mullen, Agronomist, NTech Industries, Stillwater, OK
2:30   Site-Specific Management Research Update - John Shanahan, USDA-
ARS, Lincoln, NE
3:15   Break - West Ballroom
3:30   Buffer pH spatial variability, John Schmidt, Soil Scientist, Kansas State University, 
           Manhattan, KS
4:10  Research Reports - Individual descriptions of on farm research projects.
Farmers, crop consultants, university staff will give a brief synopsis of
research projects and results for 2002.
5:00   Poster Session and Social - West Ballroom
7:30   Mini-Workshops (choose one)
1. Hand-Crafted Site Specific Management Systems - Dietrich Kastens,
Atwood, KS; Dan Taylor, Sterling, KS. (Handout)
 2. Yield Data Stability Analysis - Randy Taylor, Ag Engineer and Scott
Staggenborg, NE Area Agronomist/ Kansas State University.

JANUARY 16
THURSDAY MORNING

8:00   Coffee and Rolls - West Ballroom
GENERAL SESSION - EAST BALLROOM
8:30   Using GPS Data to Influence Machinery Decisions -  Randy Taylor, Ag
Engineer, Kansas State University
9:15    How Site Specific Management fits into the New Farm Bill - Dan
Meyerhoff, NRCS, Salina, KS
10:00  Break - West Ballroom
10:15  Soil Recommendations for High Yields and Precision Ag Research in Nebraska
 - Richard Ferguson,
 
Soil Scientist, University of Nebraska
11:00  Relative Performance of Alternative DGPS Sources - Pat Coyne, Head,
Western Kansas Agricultural Research Centers - Kansas State University
Hays, KS
THURSDAY AFTERNOON
KARA ANNUAL MEETING - WEST BALLROOM
11:45 KARA Member Annual Meeting and Lunch - West Ballroom
KARA WORKSHOP- EAST BALLROOM
1:15   Boundary Line Analysis - Randy Taylor, Ag Engineer, Kansas State
University and Paul Drummond, Veris Technologies, Salina, KS
Research and Proposal Writing Process -" Dietrich Kastens, Chair KARA
Research Committee
4:00  Workshop Closing Comments 

 

 

More Background on KSAgResearch.com

The Kansas Agricultural Research Association (KARA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing agricultural research and technology in Kansas. Founded in 2000, KARA has played a significant role in promoting on-farm research, hosting educational events, and fostering collaboration between farmers, researchers, and industry professionals.

 

History and Origins

KARA was established in May 2000 in response to growing interest in precision agriculture and on-farm research among Kansas farmers. The organization emerged from discussions at Kansas Precision Agriculture Conferences, where participants recognized the need for a dedicated entity to support and coordinate agricultural research efforts across the state. In its early years, KARA focused primarily on hosting workshops and tours related to precision agriculture technologies. As the organization grew, it expanded its mission to include sponsoring on-farm research projects and organizing an annual Precision Agriculture Conference.

 

Mission and Objectives

KARA's primary mission is to make agriculture more productive, efficient, profitable, and environmentally sustainable through research and technology adoption. The organization pursues several key objectives:

  1. Facilitating on-farm research by providing educational resources and funding opportunities
  2. Organizing workshops, seminars, and conferences to disseminate knowledge and best practices
  3. Fostering collaboration between farmers, researchers, and industry professionals
  4. Promoting the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies
  5. Serving as a communication hub for members to share research findings and experiences

 

Membership and Structure

KARA's membership base consists of innovative individuals from various sectors of the agricultural community, including:

  • Farmers and producers
  • Agricultural researchers
  • Industry professionals
  • Equipment manufacturers
  • Crop consultants
  • University faculty and extension specialists

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors, typically comprising farmers, industry representatives, and academic advisors from Kansas State University. This diverse leadership ensures that KARA's activities remain relevant and responsive to the needs of its members and the broader agricultural community.

 

Key Activities and Programs

Annual Precision Agriculture Conference

One of KARA's flagship events is its annual Precision Agriculture Conference, which has become a premier gathering for agricultural professionals in Kansas and neighboring states. The conference features:

  • Presentations on cutting-edge research findings
  • Workshops on emerging technologies and techniques
  • Industry updates from leading equipment manufacturers
  • Networking opportunities for attendees

 

On-Farm Research Grants

KARA provides funding opportunities for members to conduct on-farm research projects. These grants enable farmers to investigate new practices, technologies, or crop varieties in real-world conditions. The program has supported numerous studies on topics such as:

  • Variable-rate seeding and fertilizer application
  • Soil health management practices
  • Precision irrigation techniques
  • Crop variety performance trials

Grant recipients are typically required to present their findings at KARA events, fostering knowledge sharing within the community.

 

Educational Workshops and Tours

Throughout the year, KARA organizes various educational events to keep members informed about the latest developments in agricultural research and technology. These may include:

  • Hands-on technology workshops
  • Field tours showcasing innovative farming practices
  • Seminars on data management and analysis
  • Training sessions on specific precision agriculture tools

 

Communication and Information Sharing

KARA maintains various channels to facilitate communication and information sharing among its members:

  • A dedicated website with resources and event information
  • Regular newsletters highlighting research findings and upcoming activities
  • Online forums for members to discuss challenges and share experiences
  • Collaboration with university extension services to disseminate research results

 

Impact and Achievements

Over the years, KARA has made significant contributions to the advancement of agricultural research and technology adoption in Kansas:

  1. Fostering innovation: By providing a platform for farmers to conduct and share on-farm research, KARA has accelerated the development and adoption of innovative practices tailored to Kansas growing conditions.
  2. Knowledge dissemination: Through its conferences, workshops, and publications, KARA has played a crucial role in educating farmers about precision agriculture technologies and their potential benefits.
  3. Collaboration facilitation: The organization has strengthened ties between farmers, researchers, and industry professionals, leading to more effective and relevant agricultural research.
  4. Economic impact: By promoting the adoption of efficient farming practices and technologies, KARA has contributed to improved productivity and profitability for Kansas farmers.
  5. Environmental stewardship: Many KARA-supported research projects have focused on sustainable farming practices, helping to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture in the state.

 

Challenges and Future Directions

As KARA continues to evolve, it faces several challenges and opportunities:

  1. Adapting to rapid technological change: The pace of innovation in agricultural technology is accelerating, requiring KARA to continuously update its programs and resources to remain relevant.
  2. Expanding reach: While KARA has a strong presence in Kansas, there is potential to expand its influence to neighboring states and collaborate with similar organizations across the country.
  3. Addressing emerging issues: Climate change, water scarcity, and soil health are becoming increasingly critical concerns for farmers. KARA will need to prioritize research and education in these areas.
  4. Engaging young farmers: As the farming population ages, KARA must find ways to attract and engage younger farmers to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization and the industry.
  5. Securing funding: Like many non-profit organizations, KARA faces ongoing challenges in securing adequate funding to support its programs and activities.

 

Cultural and Social Significance

KARA's work extends beyond its immediate impact on agricultural practices. The organization plays a significant role in shaping the culture of innovation and collaboration within Kansas's farming community:

  1. Fostering a research-oriented mindset: By encouraging farmers to conduct on-farm research, KARA has helped cultivate a culture of inquiry and experimentation among producers.
  2. Bridging the urban-rural divide: Through its educational efforts, KARA helps to inform the broader public about modern agricultural practices and challenges, promoting understanding between urban and rural communities.
  3. Supporting rural economies: By promoting efficient and profitable farming practices, KARA contributes to the economic vitality of rural Kansas communities.
  4. Advancing sustainable agriculture: KARA's focus on precision agriculture and resource-efficient practices aligns with growing societal concerns about environmental sustainability.
  5. Preserving agricultural heritage: While focused on innovation, KARA also helps to preserve and evolve Kansas's rich agricultural heritage by adapting traditional farming knowledge to modern challenges.

 

Partnerships and Collaborations

KARA's effectiveness is enhanced through partnerships with various organizations:

  1. Kansas State University: Close collaboration with K-State's Research and Extension services ensures that KARA's activities are grounded in sound scientific research.
  2. Equipment manufacturers: Partnerships with leading agricultural equipment companies provide KARA members with access to the latest technologies and expertise.
  3. Government agencies: KARA works with state and federal agricultural agencies to align research priorities and disseminate information.
  4. Conservation organizations: Collaborations with environmental groups help address the intersection of agricultural productivity and natural resource conservation.
  5. Other agricultural associations: KARA maintains relationships with commodity groups and farm organizations to coordinate efforts and avoid duplication.

 

Media Coverage and Public Perception

KARA's activities have garnered attention from various media outlets over the years:

  • Local newspapers regularly cover KARA's annual conference and highlight the organization's impact on Kansas agriculture.
  • Agricultural trade publications feature articles about KARA-supported research projects and their practical implications for farmers.
  • Regional television stations occasionally report on KARA's field days and technology demonstrations, showcasing innovative farming practices to a broader audience.

Public perception of KARA is generally positive, with the organization viewed as a valuable resource for farmers seeking to improve their operations through research and technology adoption. However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential for technology-driven agriculture to exacerbate economic disparities between large and small farms.

 

The Kansas Agricultural Research Association has established itself as a vital organization in the state's agricultural landscape. By fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, KARA has helped Kansas farmers navigate the challenges of modern agriculture while preserving the state's rich farming heritage. As the organization looks to the future, it will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of Kansas agriculture, balancing the need for increased productivity with environmental stewardship and rural community vitality.

 

KSAgResearch.com