400,000 acres of data yield high-fives

What are yield stability zone maps?

Yield stability zone maps identify areas in fields that consistently produce high yields over multiple years. Information about the fields is aggregated over three or more years, divided, and color-coded into four zones — green, blue, yellow and red — based on yield performance. Those that are green consistently yield above the farm average; those that are red consistently yield below. Areas that show more variability from year-to-year suggest limited climate resiliency.

Why are yield stability zone maps helpful?

Zone maps are data-driven, visual representations of field productivity. They provide insight into barriers to crop yield and point farmers to areas where a different management approach might be needed. Farmers can use the zone maps to inform crop selection and field management, and to decide whether to focus resources on areas which require the most–improving sustainability, resource allocation, and efficiency.

Data and models can be powerful, but considering the experience and wisdom of farmers is also crucial in understanding what’s going on in their fields.

How do farmers respond to seeing these maps?

“We get high-fives and handshakes from farmers when they see the maps!” Marcaida said. “They are the best validators of these yield stability zone maps. Farmers can help us explain why a certain area is red and why some are green. It’s a perfect illustration of how collaboration is key: data and models can be powerful, but considering the experience and wisdom of farmers is also crucial in understanding what’s going on in their fields.”

I’m a farmer interested in participating. What do I need to do to get my data to NMSP?

If a farm is using MyJohnDeere Operations Center, the most common way of sharing data is by adding NMSP to the account. However, the team can also process information from other platforms like Climate Field View, AgLeader, or CLAAS. Transferring data can also be done using a cloud-based data-sharing approach, such as Box folders, or by downloading data to a thumb drive when a team member comes to the farm for an in-person transfer.

Over 60 farms are participating in the yield monitor data project, and 52 have zone maps so far. If you’re a farmer interested in participating, check out the NMSP website for more information, or email mmarcaida [at] cornell.edu (mmarcaida[at]cornell[dot]edu) with questions or a request to join.

Madeline Hanscom is a writer for the Nutrient Management Spear Program.