Timely Topics: Wisdom of Groups; MEY Clubs, Research Networks and Social Media

Contributed by Dr. Raymond Hoyum, President, Advantage International and Dr. T. Scott Murrell,Director, IPNI North America Program

Knowledge Doubling Curve

Buckminster Fuller created the “Knowledge Doubling Curve”; he noticed that until 1900 human knowledge doubled approximately every century. By the end of World War II knowledge was doubling every 25 years. Today things are not as simple. Different disciplines have different rates of growth. For example, nanotechnology knowledge is doubling every two years and clinical knowledge every 18 months. But on average human knowledge is doubling every 13 months.  According to IBM, the build out of the “internet of things” will lead to the doubling of knowledge every 12 hours. 

Agriculture is no different. Growers are constantly challenged by the huge body of information available to them.  Agronomists and growers alike have long recognized the value of using all the tools available to them in developing a high yield efficient crop production system.  For example, over 20 years ago, growers recognized the value of sharing information with their peers through the formation of local MEY (Maximum  Economic Yield) Clubs. 

In many areas of the US, in recent years those early concepts have evolved into grower/retailer/consultant/researcher partnerships known as Research Networks. Today, growers are expanding their contacts nationally, as well as, internationally.  With new social media tools, growers continue to expand the circle of influence.