Journal of Farming

Journal of Farming

Journal of Farming – Instructions For Author

Open Access & Peer-Reviewed

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AUTHOR GUIDANCE

Instructions For Author

Journal of Farming (JF) publishes open access research that advances sustainable agriculture, farm productivity, and resilient food systems. These instructions help authors prepare clear, ethical, and reproducible manuscripts.

Please follow this guidance to avoid delays during editorial screening and peer review.

1

Article categories

Original Research

Field, laboratory, or modeling studies with robust methods and measurable outcomes.

Systematic Reviews

Evidence syntheses following PRISMA or equivalent standards.

Short Communications

Concise reports of novel findings, pilot trials, or method validation.

Case Studies

Applied studies with practical relevance to farming systems or policy.

Methods and Protocols

Detailed protocols, tools, or workflows that enable replication.

Perspectives

Expert commentary on emerging trends, challenges, or innovations.

2

Manuscript structure

Organize manuscripts clearly to ensure reviewers and readers can follow the study design and outcomes. Most research submissions should include the following sections.

  • Title: Specific, concise, and aligned with the main outcome.
  • Abstract: Structured summary of objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
  • Keywords: Four to seven keywords reflecting crops, regions, methods, and systems.
  • Introduction: Context, rationale, and study objectives.
  • Materials and Methods: Study design, site conditions, and analytical approach.
  • Results: Clear presentation of findings with tables and figures.
  • Discussion: Interpretation, limitations, and implications for farming practice.
  • Conclusion: Key takeaways linked to practical outcomes.
3

Formatting guidance

Use clear headings, consistent units, and standard scientific terminology. Ensure all tables and figures are referenced in order and include descriptive captions.

  • Define all abbreviations at first use.
  • Report field conditions such as soil type, climate, and management practices.
  • Include effect sizes and confidence intervals where relevant.
  • Use high resolution images and include scale bars for field or lab images.
  • Provide location coordinates or region descriptions for field trials.
4

Length and style expectations

JF does not impose strict word limits for most article types, but manuscripts should be concise and focused. Avoid unnecessary background and ensure the discussion interprets results rather than repeating them.

For systematic reviews, provide a detailed search strategy and selection flow. For short communications, focus on the primary result and limit supplementary materials to essential items.

5

Tables, figures, and supplementary files

Tables and figures should communicate key findings quickly and should not duplicate text content. Provide clear captions, define abbreviations, and include units for all measures.

  • Submit figures in high resolution formats and avoid excessive compression.
  • Label figure panels consistently and reference them in order.
  • Explain any image adjustments and provide raw data when required.
  • Supplementary files should be referenced clearly in the main text.
6

Statistical reporting

Provide enough detail for a qualified reader to understand the analysis. Include study design, primary outcomes, software used, model assumptions, and treatment of missing data.

For multi site or multi year trials, describe harmonization methods and include sensitivity analyses where appropriate.

7

Ethics, consent, and approvals

All studies involving animals, human participants, or sensitive data require ethical approval. Provide the name of the approving committee, reference number, and statement of informed consent where applicable.

For livestock or animal studies, confirm compliance with welfare guidelines. If consent cannot be obtained, explain the circumstances and provide documentation as required.

8

Reporting standards

JF encourages use of established reporting guidelines such as CONSORT, PRISMA, STROBE, and ARRIVE. Clear reporting improves reproducibility and accelerates peer review.

9

Data availability

Include a data availability statement describing where supporting data, code, or protocols can be accessed. If data cannot be shared due to privacy, proprietary restrictions, or legal constraints, explain the reason and provide a pathway for qualified access.

Data tip: Deposit datasets in reputable repositories and provide persistent links. Clear data statements increase reviewer confidence and support reuse.

9A

Data citation and repositories

Cite datasets in the reference list using the repository DOI or accession number. Data citations improve attribution and allow indexing services to link the article to underlying resources. When possible, choose repositories that provide long term preservation, access controls, and clear licensing.

9B

Code and software materials

For computational studies, provide code, scripts, or configuration files needed to reproduce results. Include software versions, dependencies, and operating system details when relevant. If code cannot be shared publicly, explain the limitation and indicate how reviewers can validate the analysis.

9C

Field trial permits and biosafety

For field trials involving regulated inputs, genetically modified organisms, or restricted pesticides, provide evidence of appropriate permits and biosafety approvals. Clearly state compliance with local and national regulations and include any monitoring protocols required by authorities.

10

Authorship and contributions

All listed authors must meet authorship criteria, contribute substantially to the work, and approve the final manuscript. Include a contributor statement outlining roles such as study design, data collection, analysis, and writing.

11

Conflicts of interest and funding

Disclose all financial, institutional, or personal relationships that could influence the research. Provide funding sources and grant numbers where applicable. Transparency protects the integrity of agricultural research.

11A

Permissions and third party content

Authors are responsible for obtaining permissions to reuse figures, tables, or instruments that are not original. Provide documentation at submission and include proper attribution in captions or acknowledgments. Content without permission may be removed or returned for revision.

11B

Plagiarism and originality

All submissions undergo originality checks. Manuscripts with extensive overlap, uncredited reuse, or duplicate publication will be returned without review. Ensure that reused methods text is properly cited and that all sources are acknowledged.

JF values transparency. If a manuscript extends prior work, clearly describe what is new and how the study advances the evidence base.

12

References

Use a consistent referencing style and ensure citations are complete and accurate. Include DOI links where available and avoid excessive self citation.

12A

Preprints and prior dissemination

Preprints are permitted. Authors must disclose preprint postings and provide a DOI or URL at submission. The published article should clearly reflect any substantive updates such as additional data, revised analyses, or expanded discussion.

12B

Use of AI assisted tools

AI tools may be used for language refinement, but they must not replace author responsibility for accuracy, interpretation, or originality. Any AI assisted tools used in writing or analysis should be disclosed in the manuscript.

13

Submission checklist

  • Manuscript file in an editable format with line numbers if possible.
  • Cover letter describing study significance and fit for Journal of Farming.
  • Ethics approval details and informed consent statements.
  • Conflict of interest and funding disclosures.
  • Data availability statement and repository links.
  • Figures and tables uploaded as separate files if required.

Completing these items before submission shortens screening and helps reviewers focus on scientific quality.

14

Cover letter and reviewer suggestions

Use the cover letter to explain novelty, applied impact, and alignment with the journal scope. Authors may suggest qualified reviewers free of conflicts of interest. The editorial team may or may not use suggested reviewers.

15

Peer review process

Journal of Farming uses a single blind peer review model. Reviewers are aware of author identities to evaluate context and related work, while reviewer identities remain confidential to authors. Editorial decisions are based on scientific merit, methodological soundness, and relevance to the journal scope.

15A

Appeals and complaints

Authors who believe a decision was made in error may submit a reasoned appeal. Appeals should address reviewer comments and provide clear scientific justification. The editorial office will review appeals carefully but does not guarantee reversal of decisions.

16

Revisions and resubmission

When revisions are requested, provide a point by point response to reviewer comments and clearly indicate changes in the manuscript. Timely responses reduce delays and improve publication timelines.

17

After acceptance

Accepted manuscripts enter production for copyediting, formatting, and proof review. Authors receive proofs for final checks and must confirm accuracy before publication. Article processing charges are communicated after acceptance and do not affect editorial decisions.

17A

Open access and licensing

JF publishes under open access licensing to maximize reach and reuse. Authors retain copyright and grant reuse rights with proper attribution. Licensing details are provided in the copyright and license policy.

17B

Language support

Authors who want assistance with language clarity may request editing support prior to submission or after peer review. Language editing is optional and does not influence editorial decisions. Contact the editorial office for timelines and guidance. Clear language improves reviewer focus and speeds decisions.

Submit your manuscript

Choose your preferred submission method for Journal of Farming.

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Contact the editorial office

For submission questions, formatting support, or pre submission queries, contact [email protected] and include your manuscript title and a short abstract for faster guidance. We typically respond within two business days for guidance.