Today’s article in the American Agriculturist- “4 tips to ensure on-farm research success”– highlights several considerations for how to carry out a project. Interested in learning more about testing new products, tools or management strategies on your farm? Here’s a list of resources that might come in handy!
Our 4R On-Farm Research Factsheet offers a broad overview about the benefits and basics of conducting on-farm research.
Great Guides
- SARE Guide to On-Farm Research – this free online guide is a great place to start!
- A Practical Guide to On-Farm Research by Bob Nielsen at Purdue University (and for that matter, Purdue has a whole list of useful links for tools, on-farm research programs and presentations.)
- Iowa Soybean Association On-Farm Network Guide to On-Farm Replicated Strip Trials
- Nebraska On-Farm Research Network’s Grower’s Guide to On-Farm Research
- Practical Farmers of Iowa offers this list of research protocols that might make a good template if you have a similar project in mind
Help to Fund the Project
- SARE offers Farmer Grants and Partnership Grants that might help to cover the cost of adopting an on-farm research project.
- Check with your local NRCS Office to see if they offer an Adaptive Management Program for Nutrient Management or Cover Crop Projects
- Your local University Extension may be able to assist with project design and statistical analysis for project results.
