I know I know; another industry rep talking to you about plots, that’s the last thing you need! I will be the first one right there to agree with you; plots are a pain and they probably always will be. I have been doing them myself for the better part of 26 years and I haven’t hit 40 yet!!! However, even though I know they are very time consuming, I also understand the importance of even the smallest plot, no matter how it happened.

We all know that the standard plot is a research plot which is replicated, has a zero or check strip within it, and takes forever to setup and take off. Yes, plots are most certainly needed, and without them, people such as myself cannot bring new practices to the table with solid data behind it. So please keep in mind when I come to see you to suggest doing a plot, that they are for the benefit of agriculture’s future.

This isn’t the only type of plot though. The ones that more often than not get some of the most interesting results are also the ones that most often get ignored. I am referring to the ones I like to call ‘escape plots’.

Escape plots are the ones you may not have meant to leave or the ones you should do whenever you try a new practice on your acres. They are not difficult to setup and they don’t take much time to do. Sometimes it can be as simple as turning the pump off on your liquid starter to compare results.

The escape plot can help you determine that what you are doing actually makes sense on your operation, not just an added step. If you need help monitoring or collecting the data from the plot there are many CCA’s that are very willing to help you get the data. And for the record, it is helpful to keep your industry reps informed also. No matter the outcome, we can’t make things better without your help!

Get out there, catch your escape plots and keep your operation profitable!!

– Jeremy