The Soybean & Feed Grains Profitability Project: 20 Years of Grower Research.

Corn and soybean growers are continually evaluating products and practices, often by comparing the current practice to an alternative that is promoted as new or better. Cropping systems are already fine-tuned and the benefits of the alternative practice can only be verified with confidence by conducting replicated field trials. University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension Educators have worked with growers for the past twenty years to make certain information generated and inferences made, based on sound experimental design, statistical analysis and economic interpretation. This approach was accomplished through the Nebraska Soybean & Feed Grains Profitability Project.

This fee-based education program enables growers in Eastern Nebraska to test production ideas under the umbrella of University faculty. Growers received technical support from Extension or industry personnel in conducting their trials. Studies are implemented using field length strips and the grower’s equipment.
Most trials have 5 or 6 replications and continue for 3 or more years. Growers report their results at an annual winter meeting to which non-participating growers and advisors are invited. Since its conception, the project has generated 185 on-farm trials involving 100 growers.

An evaluation of the project revealed participating growers improved their annual whole farm profitability by $2,370 in planting, $3,643 in tillage, $5,188 in soil fertility, and $3,181 in pest management systems, respectively. Participants also noted on-farm research was a very important means to improving the area’s agriculture. Growers valued the interaction with other participants.  As one grower said, “Working with critical thinkers, growers, and consultants is addictive and a formula for professional success”.