Revolutionizing Variety Testing Insights Across States
The great assumption with data is that its value is proportional to its size. We know it is intrinsically valuable, which is why companies, researchers, government agencies, etc., collect it ad nauseam and it is a never ending target of hackers and scam artists. The more inconvenient truth about data that is oftentimes overlooked is that, ironically, the larger a data set becomes, the more unruly it typically becomes as well. This is problematic because the more disorganized the data, the less value it delivers to users. This relational juxtaposition of size and quality is why it is essential to plan and build a strong, foundational data structure when developing a new database. We have written before about how data is only as valuable as it is useful unless it is managed properly.
With each new Medius client, our onboarding process focuses on building a data structure that will work for the client now and be ready to scale and leverage other data sources in the future. As a result, our industry-leading planning, implementation, and management practices prepare each of our clients to make the most of their data, and particularly so in the context of other variety testing entities, giving your data more value than it would have on its own. Simply put, our customized front-end systems with our standardized back-end systems populated with your data make it possible to promote a deeper understanding of variety performance across more growing areas. Insights from soybean trials on one side of a state border, for example, can be seamlessly integrated with those in a neighboring state with client approval. VERY IMPORTANT NOTES: It is our company policy to avoid ownership of any client data and that is clearly spelled out in our license agreements. Additionally, client data security is of utmost importance to us and your data is never shared without your authorization.
The more inconvenient truth about data that is oftentimes overlooked is that, ironically, the larger a data set becomes, the more unruly it typically becomes as well.
The fundamental purpose of variety testing is to mitigate risk. Planting a variety of anything ill-suited to a particular climate or environment would be foolish, and it is also why farmers, regardless of operation size, typically test small plots on their farms before going all in on a new variety. University testing programs try to alleviate this burden for the growers that they serve, but that information is usually supplementary to on-farm testing. Seed companies do the same with their varieties: It is standard practice for them to test their proprietary varieties at universities and also in their own testing plots throughout a particular region. By stitching together regional variety trial data resources, data users can save an extraordinary amount of time because of the substantial reduction in data preparation requirements.
...the more disorganized the data, the less value it delivers to users...
With this in mind, we are excited to announce our latest evolution in Medius.Re, our flagship variety testing data management and analytics platform. Specifically, our clients at North Carolina State University, Clemson University in neighboring South Carolina, and Auburn University in nearby Alabama will be the earliest benefactors of this enhanced ability to share data across intra-regional growing areas. An astute variety testing observer will note a substantial overlap in the number of varieties tested in southeastern states. For example, soybean variety USG 7633XF (UniSouth Genetics) was tested in multiple states in the 2022-23 growing seasons, including 15 times in NC, 10 in SC, and seven in AL. Other states tested it as well. It is a common practice for seed companies to test the same varieties at a number of different locations across multiple states. Until now, the unfortunate reality was that those data users wishing to see results across a region were at the mercy of making data fit into a separate system after the fact. This would require the painstaking effort of finding the correct data, transferring it into a spreadsheet or similar, and then running an internal analysis on it. Think of trying to force a size 12 foot into a size 10 shoe–the process would be challenging and painful! With the ability to evaluate a specific variety across multiple states and reporting mechanisms on a single platform, a tremendous amount of time can be saved and pain can be avoided.
It is a common practice for seed companies to test the same varieties at a number of different locations across multiple states.
If you are someone who would benefit from variety testing data shared across standardized platforms, we have you covered with the tutorial video below. In it, you’ll see how to look at trial data in your primary state of interest and then add similar trial data from collaborating states. Variety testing managers can compare their results easily with those of their neighboring peers, extension agents will be able to provide even better insights to the growers they serve, individual growers will be able to look at additional varieties, and seed companies will be able to collect data from a single platform. In each case, Medius is saving time and adding value to essential variety testing activities.
If you are interested in seeing how Medius can make your data more useful and powerful, send us a note at info@mediusag.com. Or, simply reach out to us on one of our social media channels or give us a follow. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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