Farmers can enroll in on-farm trials with the Iowa Soybean Association

Before Iowa farmers plant the first seed this spring, they have the opportunity to enroll in dozens of strip trials through the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) On-Farm Network®. Trials are currently available on both soybeans and corn on a variety of topics including seed treatment, crop protection, crop management, nitrogen and soil health.
“This year we have a wide array of trials for farmers to choose from,” said Rich Stessman, ISA On-Farm Network field research specialist for northwest Iowa. “Our program is focused on what Iowa farmers want and need to know to improve their profitability.”
Trials allow farmers opportunities to test products and practices on their own operations. The data coming from the trials is an incredible resource to farmers.
ISA president Wayne Frederick has been conducting trials on his farm for years and continues to see the value in the research.
“I myself have participated in more than 75 trials to improve the profitability of my farm,” Fredericks said. “From variable rate nitrogen, to cover crops, getting data directly from my own operation is invaluable when it comes to decision making.”
Setting up a trial is easy thanks to the On-Farm Network’s efficient process developed over the last 15 years. Even farmers already planning on conducting their own trials can still submit the data and receive other benefits.
Farmers working with the On-Farm Network receive extensive statistical analysis of trial results in addition to aerial imagery of fields allowing them to make changes in-season. In-field scouting information is also provided depending on the trial type.
“The true value of what we do comes from the data the farmers generate,” Stessman said. “Our Analytics team works very hard to get farmers data that will improve their future decision making and allow them to know the multitude of circumstances that led to their yield results.”
For information about how to set up a trial on an operation, contact Rich Stessman at rstessman@isoybeans.com or 515-334-1076. Additional information can also be found at isafarmnet.com.
Trials farmers can enroll in for 2016 include:
Seed treatment - ILeVO® (seed provided)
Seed treatment - Gaucho® (neonicotinoid, seed provided)
Crop protection - Priaxor™ fungicide and Fastac™ EC insecticide
Crop management - Row spacing (15 vs. 30).

Trials for corn include:
Nitrogen - UAN vs. Broadcast urea
Nitrogen - Nitrogen modeling prescriptions vs. Grower’s N Management
Nitrogen stabilizer - NZone Max™
Soil health - Liquid humic acid in-furrow
Crop protection - Insecticide post-pollination.

Trials for soybeans and corn include:
Crop protection - Stratego® YLD fungicide
Crop management - Planting depth
Crop protection - Soybean cyst nematode scouting survey
Soil health - Multi-year cover crop
Soil health - Tillage (strip till, no-till, conventional tillage).