The Nebraska Crop Variety Testing program evolved from the Outstate Testing Program established by a 1943 Act of the Nebraska Legislature. This legislation provided for the establishment of testing centers throughout Nebraska to carry out a crops and soils testing program. The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska was authorized to establish, manage and operate experimental testing centers. This included the variety testing program for promoting agricultural interests, accounting for the variations in soils, rainfall, temperature, length of growing season and other factors affecting crop production across the state.
The variety testing program has evolved immensely since 1943 but the core purpose of the program remains the same:
Conduct hybrid/variety performance evaluation across the state and make the information available to producers, crop consultants, and extension educators. The information will help in deciding to choose the hybrid/variety for growing the following season.