Harvest of the 2026 Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (OFRN) plots is wrapping up. Significant precipitation in the eastern half of the state has slowed some harvest, but in the Panhandle, the dry edible bean and the black-eyed pea variety study plots in Grant, Nebraska are completed, with one corn study left to go. Watch the short video below for highlights of the OFRN project, including treatment application and harvest of direct-harvest dry edible beans in the Panhandle.
How On-Farm Research Works
OFRN and Nebraska Extension educators and specialists collaborate with producers to answer questions about agricultural practices and products as they relate to their farming operations and fields. Since 1995, Nebraska Extension has conducted on-farm research projects in producers’ fields to help answer these questions and increase the profitability and effectiveness of their operations.
Through OFRN, Nebraska Extension educators and specialists help producers design scientifically valid experimental field-size plot layouts and protocols. With this assistance, producers use their own land, equipment and practices to establish and then harvest the plots and collect data. OFRN aims to conduct these projects for at least three years to account for variations in weather, soil conditions and pest pressure during the trials. The data are compiled and analyzed, and recommendations are made. More than 100 OFRN projects are conducted each year across the state.
OFRN research results are published in a printed annual report, which is also available on the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network website. Nebraska OFRN results from 2013 to the present are also available on the website. Other tools on the website, such as the Results Finder Database, help producers find results from previous OFRN projects by searching by county.
Upcoming OFRN Events
The Nebraska OFRN will host the first National On-Farm Research Summit in Lincoln on Feb. 16–18, 2027. This event will bring together researchers, extension professionals, crop consultants, and, most importantly, producers to discuss strategies, structure, funding sources, data analysis and other topics. Register today through the 2027 On-Farm Research Summit website.
In 2027, OFRN will also host meetings to review results from 2026 on-farm research projects across the state. Check the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network website after the first of the year for registration information and to find a meeting near you.
The Nebraska OFRN is sponsored in part by the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Soybean Board, the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission, and the Nebraska Wheat Board.
