difficult. The large round baler produces hay that can be stored
outside for long periods without severe deterioration. The use of
chemical drying agents, like potassium carbonate, shows more
promise as a means of preserving baled forage at higher than nor-
mal storage moisture contents (Cromwell, 1984). Ensiling high
moisture forage in large round bales encased in plastic is also be-
ing demonstrated by Cromwell at the University of Florida.


CONCLUSIONS
 Identifying equipment for small farms that is technically func-
tional and economically feasible is still a difficult problem
needing attention in farming system research. Equipment
manufacturers will probably not spend a great amount of


resources in the development of equipment for small farms, so
public funded research will need to assist in this area. Coordina-
tion of public funded research with industrial research is essential
to encourage commercial availability of the end products of the
research.
 Past farming systems research has demonstrated the value of
the "bottom-up" approach to research based on needs identified
by farmers and field extension workers. This does not preclude
the need for quantitative analysis of proposed new technology to
help evaluate technical and economic feasibility.
 Although small farms are not usually considered a fertile envi-
ronment for the application of high technology, researchers in this
area should not overlook the use of modern technology to design
and develop appropriate mechanization for use on small farms.


References
 1. Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. 1983. Agricultural
mechanization: Physical and societal effects, and the implications for policy develop-
ment. Report No. 96, Ames, IA. 27 pp.
 2. Giles, G.W. 1975. The reorientation of agricultural mechanization for the
developing countries. Report of Expert Panel on Effects of Mechanization on Pro-
duction and Employment, FAO, Rome.
 3. Norman, D.W., and A.M. Hays. 1979. Developing a suitable technology
for small farmers. National Development. April issue, pp. 67-70, 72-74.
 4. Muhtar, Hannibal. 1984. Personal communication. CMMYT. Cerretera,
Mexico.
 5. Munilla, Roberto. 1984. A high speed transplanter with extended accep-
tance and deposition zones design and development. M.S. thesis, Agr. Engr. Dept.,
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.


 6.. Harrison, D.S., and A.G. Smajstrla. Plans for trickle and sprinkler irriga-
tions systems for the home and garden. Fact Sheet AE-29. Florida Cooperative Ex-
tension Service. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
 7. Proceedings of the First International Conference on Robotics and In-
telligent Machines in Agriculture. Amer. Soc. of Agr. Engrs., St. Joseph, MI.
 8. Talbot, M.T., and W.M. Miller. 1984. Winter Haven Citrus Growers
Association Demonstration-On farm demonstrations of solar drying of crops and
grains. Fact Sheet AE-40. Florida Cooperative Extension Service. University of
Florida, Gainesville, FL.
 9. Cromwell, R.P. Reduce drying time of alfalfa hay by applying a chemical
drying agent. Agricultural Engineering Mimeo Report 84-20. University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL.


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