Back 2 Basics: On-Farm Research

On-Farm Research Trials: How to Test New Products and Practices on Your Own Acres

Farmers now have more access to information than ever before. From new products to emerging techniques, there’s no shortage of ideas that promise better performance and higher returns. But no amount of online research can fully answer one critical question: will it pay on your farm, in your growing environment? That’s where on-farm research comes in.

Why On-Farm Research Matters

While universities and companies conduct valuable research, those trials are often performed on different soil types, climates, and management systems. Every field is unique, and what works in one geography may not translate directly to another. On-farm research allows you to see firsthand how a product or practice performs on your own acres.

How to Conduct On-Farm Research for Your Operation

Start With a Clear Question or Hypothesis

Effective on-farm trials begin with a simple question. What are you trying to learn? Whether it’s evaluating a fertility product, seed variety, or management practice, defining a clear objective helps guide the entire trial. From there, it’s important to develop a plan that fits your operation and resources.

Keep On-Farm Trials Simple and Manageable

One of the biggest reasons on-farm research fails is overcomplication. Simple trials are more likely to be completed and produce usable data. Testing one or two products per season, or changing just one variable in a fertility program, makes it easier to follow through from planting to harvest.

Including a check is also essential. This could be your standard program or even a no-treatment area. Comparing your standard practice against a single change provides clearer insights and more meaningful results.

Collecting Accurate Yield and Field Data

At harvest, yield data becomes the ultimate measure of success. While yield monitors and data platforms are helpful tools, physically weighing plots with a weigh wagon remains the most accurate method. Proper calibration of equipment is critical here, as poor calibration leads to poor data and unreliable conclusions.

Evaluate Results Throughout the Growing Season

Yield data doesn’t tell the whole story alone. Scouting fields during the season provides additional insight into plant health, root development, and overall crop response. These observations help explain why a trial performed the way it did and what factors influenced the final outcome.

Replication is another key factor. Running multiple replications of a trial within a field strengthens the data set and increases confidence in the results.

Why Multi-Year Data Is Important

One season of data rarely tells the full story. Weather and environmental conditions vary year to year, influencing crop response. Running the same simple trial over multiple seasons allows you to build reliable, statistically meaningful data that supports long-term decision-making.

Using On-Farm Research to Improve Your Operation

On-farm research empowers farmers to make informed decisions based on real results from their own fields. By keeping trials simple, testing one variable at a time, collecting accurate data, and repeating trials over multiple seasons, you can confidently determine what works best for your operation.

For more information on setting up on-farm research trials or personalized guidance for your operation, connect with one of our agronomy experts today.