Farmer Research

U.S. agriculture is constantly challenged to achieve greater efficiency in resource use while providing high quality products, protecting the environment and sustaining rural economies and societies. Improvement of already fine-tuned cropping systems, such as teh corn-soybean rotation in Nebraska, is generally through adoption of practices that have small effects on productivity and profitability. Farmers face an overwhelming array of information of varying quality and applicability to their particular situations. Often this information is inadequate for decision-making. Validation of alternative practices requires careful study, often through replicated trials conducted over two or more years.

To address this information need, farmers are conducting systematic research studies based on their experience and knowledge of the farming operation and focusing on their questions.

This Nebguide focuses on the iniatiation and implentation of farmer research projects.