Challenging Conventional Wisdom Uncovers Deeper Truths

ONE OF THE JOBS of UF/IFAS scientists is to challenge conventional wisdom. You don’t want to bet the ranch on something that only seems true. Facts, empirical evidence and data are a more solid foundation for the truth you need to make decisions about your herd, farm or grove.

For two reasons, I believe that the way our faculty challenges conventional wisdom is one of the greatest services that the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences team provides you.

First, challenging the conventional wisdom can reveal new insights about how to run a farm and even correct practices that impede efficiency and productivity. In addition, a scientific challenge to conventional wisdom can debunk your customers’ falsely held beliefs about what you do.

Here are three examples of how UF/IFAS agricultural scientists are challenging public perception that passes for conventional wisdom about what you produce and how you produce it.