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Objective: USDA-ARS is currently looking for a partner to help commercialize the Great Plains Framework for Agricultural Resource Management (GPFARM) decision support system, a computer simulation model which allows farm and ranch managers to evaluate the effects of changing management practices on the computer before being practiced in the field. It could lead to better decisions--economically, as well as environmentally--about tillage, crop rotations, livestock management, fertilizers, and pesticides to crops. For example, a farmer can enter information about their farm including current and possible management options and GPFARM generates information on possible economic and environmental outcomes of sustaining or changing management practices. The farmer can then choose the best management practices that help achieve their goals. Farmers have used GPFARM to evaluate crop rotations and tillage practices during drought periods to maintain positive economic returns. ARS is looking for a company with computer expertise that can market this software, which is available on compact disks.
Overview: Agriculture on the Great Plains is challenged primarily by water and nitrogen availability and management.
Industry Type: ARS is looking for a partner with expertise in software production, distribution, and support. Other potential partners might include agriculturally-based financial institutions, agricultural consultants, crop insurance companies, precision agriculture equipment manufacturers, and commodity groups. These industries could provide GPFARM as an additional benefit to their clients, or use the software themselves to provide clients with alternative management strategies.
Where: Northern Plains Area; USDA-ARS Great Plains System Research Unit in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Laboratory Mission: The mission of the Great Plains Systems Research Unit is to enhance economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural systems by quantifying and enhancing scientific knowledge; developing integrated computer models of agricultural systems, supporting their application to field research projects, and analyzing major production issues, resource conservation, climate change, and precision farming; providing farm-level computerized decision support technology to farmers, ranchers, agricultural consultants and action agencies for evaluating farm sustainability.
If your company is interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact our regional technology transfer coordinator:
Bryan Kaphammer
USDA-ARS
1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 150
Fort Collins, CO 80525-5562
npa-spattc@npa.ars.usda.gov
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2005 Dietary Guidelines 
