Soil health interest is growing fast in Nebraska as farmers look for ways to protect yields, manage inputs and build resilience. Below are three practical options to test and learn on your own acres.

Nebraska On‑Farm Research Network

The Nebraska On‑Farm Research Network (NOFRN) is a flagship program of Nebraska Extension. One of the longest‑running on‑farm learning programs (since 1989), it is recognized statewide for its producer‑driven research and practical impact, and globally as part of one of the oldest programs of on-farm experimentation (Lacoste et al., 2022). For more than two decades, it has partnered with farmers to systematically test new practices under real‑world field conditions, building a unique, long‑term database of local results. 

NOFRN helps farmers test practices such as cover crops, nitrogen strategies, biologicals and other soil health practices using simple, replicated strips on your farm. Producers get unbiased analysis of yield, economics and other variables while simultaneously adding the results into a statewide database that others can learn from.

• What it offers: On‑farm trials, yield and profit analysis, occasional soil health measurements in fields with long-term regenerative ag practices (greater than five years same management).
• Good fit if: You want side‑by‑side comparisons of practices with solid data.
• Contact: Nebraska On‑Farm Research Network, or your local Nebraska Extension office. For soil health assessments, contact Caro Córdova.
• Learn more about the NOFRN.

USDA NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP)

The new USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP) is a farmer‑first, outcomes‑based conservation program that bundles multiple regenerative practices (e.g., cover crops, reduced tillage, diverse rotations) under one application, with funding through EQIP and CSP (total $700 million). It requires a whole-farm conservation plan and includes soil health testing using CEMA 216 Soil Health Assessment Guideline as part of outcome tracking (baseline and end-of-contract soil health assessments). More information about the CEMA 216 is below. 

The application deadline was Jan. 15, 2026, for the first funding round of key conservation programs (EQIP, CSP, ACEP, AMA and the new RPP). However, here is some brief information about the RPP so you can consider joining or supporting this initiative in the future. 

• What it offers: Financial assistance to implement regenerative practices, plus required soil health testing (CEMA 216) at the start and end of the contract.
• Good fit if: You want cost‑share to implement a regenerative system and are willing to commit whole‑farm planning and monitoring.
• Contact: Your local NRCS Service Center; ask about the Regenerative Pilot Program.
• Learn more about the NRCS RPP.

NRCS CEMA 216: Soil Health in Conservation Planning

USDA NRCS’s CEMA 216 (Soil Health Assessment) can be added to your conservation plan to benchmark soil conditions and track change over time. It can include indicators such as organic matter, aggregation, infiltration and biological activity, tied directly to your soils and practices. 

CEMA 216 is a conservation evaluation and monitoring activity, not a stand‑alone program, so it is added to an existing or new Farm Bill program contract (EQIP, CSP, ACEP, AMA, RPP) when the state offers it and when it fits your conservation objectives and ranking criteria. Whether you can add it now to an existing contract or only at application/modification time depends on your state NRCS policy and current batching/funding cycle; the local NRCS field office has the final say on which programs in your state are currently allowing CEMA 216 to be planned and funded.

• What it offers: Standardized soil health testing within NRCS conservation planning.
• Good fit if: You’re already working with NRCS and want soil health data to guide practice choices.
• Contact: Your local NRCS field office.
• Learn more about CEMA 216.

Probing Our Country’s Soil Health (SHAPE Project)

This is a new national USDA NRCS-sponsored project, with contributions from various other public and private partners. It uses the Soil Health Assessment Protocol and Evaluation (SHAPE) to benchmark soil health across U.S. soils and management systems. 

Nebraska farmers who are interested in enrolling in the project are encouraged to watch the video below for more information. Participating farmers complete a Zoom survey (less than one hour long) on field history and allow hand‑probe soil samples from two to three locations in two to three fields (fields must be greater than 10 acres). In return, you receive a detailed soil health report and SHAPE‑based interpretation for each field at no cost; the lab work is valued at about $1,200 per field at no cost to you. Project Management by AGES LLC (Agronomic, Geologic and Environmental Services).

• What it offers: Research‑grade soil health testing and interpretation, payment for your time, plus a summary book of soils and stories from across the country with final project results.
• Good fit if: You want an in‑depth soil health snapshot on a few fields and are willing to contribute to a national dataset.
• Video for more about SHAPE. 
• Enroll in the project.
• Farmers will be notified prior to soil samples being taken — usually three to six months after completing surveys.
• Soil tests are complex, requiring ample time for analysis, with reports of results sent nine to 12 months after soil samples are taken.
• For questions, contact SHAPE.

Which Option Makes Sense for You?

• Want to test practices and see yield/economic outcomes? Start with Nebraska On‑Farm Research. Contact us if you have any soil health concerns or want to evaluate your fields.
• Want soil health testing and cost‑share for regenerative practices under one NRCS contract? Look at the Regenerative Pilot Program (with CEMA 216 built in).
• Already working with NRCS but not ready for RPP? Ask about CEMA 216 by itself.
• Interested in a one‑time, in‑depth soil health assessment without requirements of a contract and contributing to national research? Consider the SHAPE project.

For help deciding, contact your local Nebraska Extension office or the UNL Soil Health Program leaders Carolina Córdova, University of Nebraska-Lincoln statewide soil health specialist, or Katja Koehler-Cole, statewide soil health extension educator for Nebraska Extension.